El Castillo de San Felipe, on the edge of Playa Jardín, is a 17th century colonial style fort which used to protect the town from attacks by corsairs and pirates. It is one of three fortifications which used to exist in the town.
Built under Phillip IV between 1630 and 1644. Subsequently abandoned and allowed to fall into ruin after the flood of 1826, as its original purpose as a defence against English privateers was no longer needed.
Apart from guarding the town, the castle also guarded a small harbour located at the mouth of the Barranco de San Felipe. It was this that gave the castle its original name – Castillo del Puerto Viejo.
Castillo de San Felipe is now used as a cultural space for exhibitions, music recitals and drama.
Finding it open is a problem. Only three times have I found it open but was not allowed in, changing art exhibition, rehearsals (twice).
A very misearble man manning it, a typical council jobsworth.
Yesterday it was open, or should have been open. There was due a midday recital, but it was cancelled due to illness of the pianist. A miserable woman, another typical jobsworth, refuused to let anyone in to the art exhibition, even though they had made the effort to tun up for the midday concert. Her unhelpful attitude was one of ´come back Tuesday´.
Tags: art, Castillo de San Felipe, heritage, music, puerto de la Cruz, theatre
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