Castillo de San Juan Bautista (Castillo Negro)
Updated 2 August 2026The Castillo de San Juan Bautista, popularly known as Castillo Negro, is a coastal fortress with a circular plan built between 1641 and 1643 with dark volcanic stone masonry. The origin of its nickname is uncertain: it is attributed both to the dark tone of the stone and the name of the cove where it was erected (Caleta de Negros). It was the second most important fortification in the defense of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and today it is considered the best-preserved castle on the island.
In 1765, it was rebuilt as a cylindrical tower and embanked towards the coast. It has been declared a Cultural Interest Site with the category of Monument since July 12, 1993, and is owned by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council. It is located right on the waterfront of the capital, next to the Auditorio de Tenerife and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique.
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