Plaza del Adelantado

plaza del Adelantado receives the name of the first Adelantado, conqueror of the islands of La Palma and Tenerife, who, at the beginning of the 16th century, had his residence at one end of this square, specifically in a part of the site that today occupies the Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena. It was created to serve as the town’s main square, both because of its size and the importance of the buildings that surrounded it in the 16th century. Until the 20th century, the most relevant public events in the city were held here, including festivals, market days, processions, bullfights and of course execution of sentences. Its dimensions have been maintained throughout the centuries, but its appearance has changed over the years. The esplanade, originally earthen, was paved for the first time in 1798. In 19th century the trees wre planted and and benches placed. The central fountain is made of marble. It was ordered from Marseille in France, from where it was shipped to La Laguna in 1869 by the Ghirlanda Brothers Society aboard the ship "Marie Honoré". Its weight is estimated to be 30 tons.