La Punta de Diamante (Plataforma Battery)

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Military architecture · Year: 1607 · Authors: Próspero Casola

This military installation, which had three artillery pieces, was built on the most protruding area of the Risco de San Francisco, as an outpost of the Castillo del Rey. Also known as the Plataforma battery, it was constructed, like its contemporary on the southeast of the hill, in 1607 under the direction of military engineer Próspero Casola by order of Governor Luis de Mendoza.

The installation consisted of a large platform that served as a parade ground, surrounded, except on its rear flank, by a long wall that took the shape of two diamond points at its vertices, dominating the city from above. From one of these points, the wall descended towards the Mata fort. 

The Plataforma battery had a small building attached to the wall that served as a guardhouse and storeroom. This construction, perhaps built later, was rectangular in plan, with corners and window frames covered in ashlar masonry and a gabled roof.

The entire complex was abandoned during the course of the 19th century, with the date of its disarmament unknown. Currently, only parts of the foundations and some ruins of its walls remain, connected to the remains of the northern wall.

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