La Marina Street

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Squares, streets & markets · Year: Siglo XVII

La Marina street, as its name indicates, was until well into the 20th century a road running parallel to the coastline of the bay of Santa Cruz from La Candelaria square to the vicinity of the Almeida barracks. In its first stretch it ran level along the edge of the Alameda, but from Bouza alley it climbed a considerable slope, making it a true viewpoint over the sea, as there were no buildings on the flank overlooking the coast. 

The main consular offices of countries with commercial interests in Santa Cruz were established on this street, as well as numerous ship agency companies and various businesses related to port activity. It was also a street where numerous sailors' taverns were located and a lively place of cellars at any time of day and night. 

In the mid-20th century, and more specifically during the 1960s and 1970s, this street underwent a radical transformation. Huge buildings began to be constructed on both sides of its pavements, which changed forever the character of a street with a maritime and port vocation that it had since its beginnings.

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