Carta Palace

Carta Palace stands on Plaza de la Candelaria in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ranking among the city's most striking civil buildings.

Who built the palace and why?

Construction was commissioned in 1721 by Matías Rodríguez Carta, a captain in the Canarian militia who also owned a fleet of ships trading between the Canary Islands and the Americas. The project took decades to complete, finally finishing in 1752 as a family residence befitting a wealthy merchant-soldier. Over the following centuries the building took on new roles: it served as headquarters for the Captaincy General of the Canary Islands, later housed the civil government offices, and in the 1950s became a branch of the Banco Español de Crédito. On 7 March 1947 it was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument, the first property in the province to receive that level of heritage protection.

What does the building look like?

The cut-stone facade blends Canarian Baroque forms with Neoclassical touches, a stylistic mix that sets it apart from other historic buildings in the city. The three-storey structure is marked by balconies, a clock set into the third level, and a pediment crowning the front. Inside, two courtyards built in traditional Canarian style survive intact — shaded patios that once organised the rhythm of daily life in the house and remain a favourite spot for visitors' photos.

What can you see inside today?

The palace now houses a tourist information office, so its interior — including the courtyards — is open to visitors without needing to book ahead. It makes a natural starting point for exploring the historic centre of Santa Cruz, sitting within walking distance of both the harbourfront and the other landmark buildings around Plaza de la Candelaria.

How do you get there?

The palace sits right in the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on Plaza de la Candelaria, within easy walking distance of the main bus and tram stops serving downtown. It pairs easily with a stroll through the surrounding shopping streets and squares.

When is the best time to visit?

The tourist office is open weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00 and weekends from 9:00 to 14:00, so it's worth timing a visit around those hours. Mornings, especially outside the summer peak, tend to be quieter and cooler than the rest of the day in Santa Cruz.

Frequently asked questions

Who built Carta Palace? Matías Rodríguez Carta, a captain in the Canarian militia involved in trade with the Americas, commissioned it in 1721; the building was completed in 1752.

What architectural style does the palace represent? Its facade combines Canarian Baroque with Neoclassical elements, making it one of the era's most significant examples of civil architecture on the island.

Can visitors go inside? Yes — the building now houses a tourist information office, and its interior, including the traditional courtyards, is open to the public during opening hours.

What makes it different from other Santa Cruz landmarks? It was the first building in the province to receive top-level heritage protection, in 1947, underlining its exceptional historical and architectural importance for the whole region.