Plaza del Príncipe

Plaza del Príncipe is one of the most elegant squares in the historic centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, tucked between the streets Villalba Hervás, Valentín Sanz, Ruiz de Padrón and José Murphy. Its full name is Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias, and its story goes back to the mid-19th century.

Where does the name come from?

The plot for the square was bought in 1857 for 90,000 reales, land that had previously belonged to the orchard of the San Pedro de Alcántara convent, next to what is now the Church of San Francisco. The design was commissioned to architect Manuel de Oraá y Arcocha, and the square was formally inaugurated on 29 October 1860 under the name Plaza del Príncipe Alfonso, honouring the then Prince of Asturias, the future King Alfonso XII. Over time the name was shortened to the one used today.

It's worth knowing that this was the first major urban reform undertaken in Santa Cruz after the 1852 free-port decree, a measure that opened the city to rapid economic and physical expansion. In that sense, the square marks the symbolic starting point of the modern growth of Tenerife's capital.

What will you see there?

The square's current appearance is the result of several renovations, the last major one dating from 1984, which restored the romantic character of the original layout. At its centre stands a distinctive music kiosk (bandstand), surrounded by allegorical sculpture groups and a fountain. A circular walkway, benches for resting, and carefully kept gardens with mature shade trees complete the scene.

Along the edge of the square there is a kiosk-bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, or simply a coffee break during a walk through the city. At the lower end of the square sits the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes (Municipal Museum of Fine Arts), whose collection spans Flemish painting from the 16th century through to 19th-century works — a natural stop for anyone interested in art.

How to get there and when to visit?

The square sits right in the heart of Santa Cruz's historic centre, within easy walking distance of the main shopping streets and the Church of San Francisco, so it fits naturally into any walking route around the city. It can be visited at any time of day, though it feels liveliest in the afternoon and evening, when locals come for a stroll, to meet friends, or simply to sit in the shade. On public holidays and during local festivities, the square hosts open-air concerts and performances, making it one of the city's key meeting points.

For visitors, this is a good place to slow down — sit for a moment, take in the architecture of the surrounding buildings, and get a feel for 19th-century Santa Cruz before continuing on toward the port or the beach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to see the square? Walking around and taking in the square takes about 15–20 minutes, but plan for an hour or more if you also want to visit the nearby fine arts museum.

Is there somewhere to eat or drink on the square? Yes, a kiosk-bar in the centre of the square serves food and drinks throughout the day.

Is the square suitable for children or strollers? Yes, it has a level, circular walkway and plenty of benches, making it a comfortable stop for families exploring the city.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes sits right next to the square, and it's just a short walk to the Church of San Francisco and the main shopping streets of central Santa Cruz.