Last port before Southampton. The sun is shining and we have until 4.30 to explore the city. Canary Islands has ,for a long time, been a tourist destination for Europe. We won’t have time to see all the island but we can start with Santa Cruz. The town borders the port.
There are so many beautiful old homes and businesses in Santa Cruz and the majority are still being used. Here are the ones I took photos of…..which ones did you like and photograph.
Imagine walking around on the rooftops of these beautiful buildings
I’m glad they saved the facadesI wonder what this shop sells?It’s open nowIt’s a coffee shop!Government buildingsMilitary?
Now some government buildings are brilliant and the public library is one of these as it serves so many functions….and looks good too.
One building ,many functions
The city reflected in the glass walls.Looking through the upper glass walls
Museums can be really interesting places to visit, This building must have once had a different function because it has inner courtyards. No we won’t visit because there is so many other places to see and we have been inside quite a bit lately.
One of the inside courtyardsThe foyer
Being part of Spain, Santa Cruz is a Catholic country so of course we should visit at least one, maybe two churches of the many.How about we go to the one with the big white bell tower? It certainly dominates the landscape.
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A little too decorative for my taste, but the ceiling is impressive don’t you think. I like all the floats they use to carry the statues in celebration of saints during the year. Do you think all the churches are like this one. I believe there is one near the park we intend to visit. Here it is. It looks like they have kept some of the original building and then updated the rest.
Simple but magnificent carving
And then modern stained glass
Time for a walk in the park and a visit to one of those cute cafés
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Santa Cruz has many green spaces and gardens. It makes it a lovely place to walk and explore.
The teacherThe studentNot an attentive student
Need meat for dinner, a special cheese or flowers for your table. There is a central market.At the entrance are two statues to remind you of the towns history. A fishing boat full of all the things you will need fishing, including the fish. The other statue is of a lady carrying home her goodies.
Meat delivery
Santa Cruz was once two areas separated by a ravine. A bridge now spans the ravine and the ravine is becoming a recreational area. This has allowed the town to expand up the hills.
Some statues and fun pictures….you can think about.
What’s hiding?WowMosaic chairs
Steel bags?
Is this stop sign just for bikes
Olivia and Anna
Well what do you think of Santa Cruz? I liked it. There is so much more to see.
We have passed the Queen Mary and are heading for the English Channel. A day in London and then to more adventures in Malta.