Culture of La Palma Island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The central city of the island, which has the main historical value, is Santa Cruz. Now it is a not very big settlement with narrow streets and Colonial architecture. But during the times of Renaissance it was the third biggest port in Spain. In the middle of the city center there is Spain Square with the 18th-century stone fountain and Statue of Manuel Diaz Hernandez, lived in the 19th century.

The oldest building at the Square is the Church of the Divine Savior, built in the early years of the 16th century. Firstly built in the Renaissance style, which was typical for that time, it was later rebuilt and widened several times. In sacristy there are still carving elements, typical for gothic décor. The church’s ceiling is made from pine in Mudejar style. By the way, the city hall, which was built in the second part of the 16th century, is decorated in the same style. Inside you may see the coat of arms of La Palma, Philip of Spain, the Royal dynasty of Austria, and also the paintings of G. Mendez and the murals of M. Kassier. There is also a big archive of important historical documents.

You should definitely visit the Castle of Santa Catalina. Built in 1554, its purpose was to protect the city, which was destroyed by the pirates the previous year. It had been successfully fulfilling its goal for a few centuries. There were food warehouses, barracks, and a prison. A nice civilian building is the 17th-century Casa Salazar, the castle of the governor Salazar. In Santa Cruz you can also find the copy of Columbus’ ship, Santa Maria, inside which there is Maritime Museum. Don’t forget to visit the House of Tobacco, where they will tell you a lot of interesting things about cigars. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Velhoko you can find the Sanctuary of the Holy Virgin of the Snow, where the visitors can see the silver altar and terracotta statue of Madonna. Here is also located the oldest picture of Mother of God on the Canary Islands, which was created in the 15th century. This is the church, where a few 16-17th centuries Flemish sculptures and pictures are kept, which are a part of a rich collection, represented in different cathedrals of the city. If you prefer to explore the ancient cultures, go to La Zarza.

This area is famous because this was the place, where the traces of Benahoares were found. Benahoares is an ancient civilization, which had lived in La Palma. Petroglyphs – unusual signs – can be seen in Don Pedro, Roque Faro, and Juan Adalid areas. Usually the signs are made of different spirals, circles, and geometrical figures, but their purpose is still unknown. An unusual and quite mysterious picture in the Aztecs style is the one of a man and a woman with an insect’s head, which looks more like an Egyptian goddess. You can find out more about the lifestyle of Benahoares at the information center in La Zarza, where there is a museum dedicated to this nationality.

The fans of old buildings and beautiful views will definitely be glad to visit Fuencaliente town, near which there is an old 12-stories lighthouse, which was built in 1903 and fortified in the beginning of the 20th century after an earthquake. The building is open for tourists. Visit Fierro-Torres and Santa Cruz mansions, where a wine press, a well, and a couple of greenhouses have been preserved since the 18th century. A trip to the 18th-century salt factory Las Salinas can be very interesting. In Tazacorte there is not only a famous beach, from where the Spanish started the conquer of the island, and 16-17th-centuries architecture, but also the unique Banana Museum. Nuestra Senora De Los Remedios Church in Los Llanos has a 16th-century icon in its collection. Visit the ethnographical museum in Los Sauces village in the former mill building, and in San Andreas visit Nuestra Senora De Montserrat Church, which was built in the 16th century.