La Esfinge Battery

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Category: Memory · Subcategory: Memory spaces · Year: 1898-1900

When Spain lost its last colonies in 1898 after the war against the United States of America, the Canary Islands became an Atlantic frontier and it was speculated that the Americans might attack the Archipelago itself. In this context and as a preventive measure against a possible assault on the important Port of La Luz, the Spanish State decided to expropriate the nearby lands of La Isleta for military purposes. 

Thus, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several coastal batteries were established around the perimeter of La Isleta; in this way, those of Loma Las Coloradas, Confital, Montaña del Faro, Roque Ceniciento, Montaña del Vigía and the one we discuss here, La Esfinge, emerged. 

The La Esfinge battery was located at the top of the volcano of the same name, about 130 metres above the level of the coastline, directly opposite El Roque, a significant maritime feature.

Like its neighbouring batteries, it housed artillery with large rifled iron cannons. In addition, its facilities included storerooms for provisions and other installations for various artillery equipment.

By the third decade of the 20th century, the facilities of this site were in a state of ruin. Today, nothing remains of either the battery or the volcano on which it was established, as almost the entire mountain was used as a quarry for the filling of the docks.

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