The Pila of the Plaza de La Candelaria

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Art · Subcategory: Sculpture · Year: 1706

This small structure is all that remains of the first public fountain that Santa Cruz had. Its original location was the centre of the square later called La Candelaria, the place where the wooden channels coming from the Aguirre mountains ended.

The original fountain, inaugurated in 1706, had a stepped base supporting a basin with vegetal decoration. From there rose a column-like supporting element adorned with a pair of coats of arms, on which the bowl rested, the only element that has endured and which we can see today. It is made of basalt and consists of a pillar with two mouldings, as well as a decorated container based on gallardons and imitating mensulones. On its edge appears the legend " Reigning Philip V, being governor and captain general the Most Excellent Mr D. Agustín de Robles y Lorenzana. Year MDCCVI ".

The fountain was moved in 1814 next to the Castillo de San Cristóbal and definitively dismantled in 1844 to be placed in a municipal waste lot. Years later it was rescued, as much as possible, to be installed in the upper part of the Plaza, being the oldest element of the entire site.

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