One of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s most recognisable historic landmarks could once again become part of the city’s landscape. The City Council is considering options to restore and relocate the original Plaza de la Paz fountain, which was dismantled almost 20 years ago during the construction of the Tenerife tram network.
A Landmark Removed During the Tram Works
The fountain stood proudly in Plaza de la Paz from 24 May 1957, becoming a familiar feature at the junction of Rambla de Santa Cruz and General Mola.
However, when work began on the tram system in 2006, the structure was removed to allow the future Line 1 route to pass through the area. Since then, the fountain’s components have remained stored in a municipal depot.
At the time, the decision sparked significant public opposition, with more than 4,500 residents signing a petition calling for the fountain to remain in its historic location.
Restoration Possibilities Under Review
Nearly two decades later, the City Council is exploring the possibility of restoring the fountain and finding a suitable new location.
Councillor for Public Services Carlos Tarife explained that the first step will be to assess the condition of the stored pieces and determine whether rehabilitation is feasible.
If restoration proves possible, the council will then study potential sites elsewhere in the city.
According to Tarife, reinstalling the fountain in its original position is not an option due to space constraints and the current tram infrastructure.
A Long-Running Debate
Before the fountain was dismantled, several alternatives were discussed in an attempt to preserve it within the Plaza de la Paz area.
Proposals included moving it closer to the historic kiosk, relocating it to Avenida Reyes Católicos, or installing it along Calle Alcalde Mandillo Tejera.
In March 2006, the municipal government even announced plans to keep the fountain within the square by shifting it a few metres to accommodate the tram route. Ultimately, that solution was never implemented.
The original fountain was removed and replaced with a smaller illuminated design created by Eustaquio Martínez.
Preserving a Piece of Santa Cruz History
The fountain remains an important symbol for many residents who remember it as a defining feature of Plaza de la Paz for more than half a century.
Any future restoration would not only preserve a piece of Santa Cruz’s architectural heritage but also allow a new generation to appreciate a landmark that played a significant role in the city’s urban identity.
For now, the project remains at the study stage, but the possibility of seeing the historic fountain installed once again in Santa Cruz is firmly back on the table.