The Royal Customs House is a historic and emblematic civil building in Puerto de la Cruz, the oldest that is still preserved in the city.
History of the Royal Customs House
The history of the House of the Royal Customs dates back to 1620, at which time it was founded, later to be handed over to the Royal Treasury in order to establish the offices of the Customs here, and be the place of refuge for administrators of it. The mission of this building at the time was to monitor maritime traffic and enforcement of the legal norms of the time.
However, the years passed and the economic and political administration of the island of Tenerife was changing, why in the year 1833, the administration of this department would move to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A building very well protected since the early eighteenth century, since in its vicinity was a small fortification and the famous Batería de Santa Bárbara. All this was led by the great importance of the maritime trade of Puerto de la Cruz during this period. Numerous boats from the remotest corners of the planet arrived here, since Spain was a neutral nation during the course of the Napoleonic Wars.
During the following years, the second half of the eighteenth century and the nineteenth century, began the decline of Puerto de la Cruz as a city of great commercial impact, only to reinvent itself as the major tourist destination it is today. Because of all these events happened some very important changes in the city, which the Royal Customs House survived, partly thanks to the acquisition of it by a wealthy family who bought it in 1963.
In the late twentieth century, specifically in 1997, the Royal Customs House was restored to become what is now: a center where you can enjoy numerous cultural and artistic events.
The Royal Customs House at present
Today it has become a true cultural center of Puerto de la Cruz, since it is the Museum of Contemporary Art Eduardo Westerdhal, has six meeting rooms, with the perfect equipment for exhibitions and conferences of all kind.
In addition, taking advantage of the magnificent location in which it is located, in one of the most representative spots of Puerto de la Cruz, part of the House Royal Customs is a tourist information center, in addition to having in it a crafts store of high quality.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Eduardo Westerdahl
The site of this museum is located at the top of the Royal Customs House, specialized in the Canarian art movement of the twentieth century with works by César Manrique and Oscar Dominguez among others. The artist who gives this museum its name, was a painter and writer born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, belonging to the Surrealist movement.
The Cruz de La Carola
One of the most emblematic and representative points of the Royal Customs House of Puerto de la Cruz, is the cross that you can see on one of its sides, specifically in the area that was previously intended for leaving passengers after the passport control and customs.
Location of the Royal Customs House
The Royal Customs House is very close to the Plaza del Charco of Puerto de la Cruz. Being placed in this neuralgic point and known to all portuenses, it is just off the fishing harbor of Puerto de la Cruz where the embarkation of the Virgen del Carmen takes place. Here you can also enjoy the magnificent monument to the fishing woman, and from where you can see the Royal Customs House, if we started walking towards the Paseo de San Telmo.
This creates a characteristic panoramic view of Puerto de la Cruz, where the Plaza del Charco, the fishing pier, the House of Royal Customs and the memorial to the fisherwoman create a unique and intimate atmosphere of one of the downtowns portuense, which has witnessed numerous stories and festivals that take place in the vicinity.
Opening Times
The hours in which you can see the Royal Customs House of Puerto de la Cruz are Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Discover the Royal Customs House in Puerto de la Cruz
As you have seen, on a few square meters located in the center of Puerto de la Cruz, you have many of the most emblematic places and views of the city. If you are planning a future visit to the north of Tenerife, specifically if you would like to know in depth Puerto de la Cruz, we offer you a stay at the newly renovated Apartments Ambassador, where you can find a perfect place to relax and enjoy this beautiful city.
Book now and do not miss the opportunity to see the Royal Customs House of Puerto de la Cruz and many other places and experiences that are waiting to be discovered by you. We will wait for you!
