Plaza de España
The cross at the southern end of Santa Cruz's main square is a memorial to those who died in the Spanish Civil War, which—it bears remembering—was launched from Tenerife by General Franco during his exile here. The controversial monument's architect is Juan de Ávalos, who also designed the Francoist memorial and basilica at Valle de los Caídos. A 2006 refresh by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron added a shallow oblong pond, new pavilions, and modern lighting. It also uncovered the ruins of Castillo de San Cristóbal, today a small museum (free) housing the 18th-century "Tigre Cannon" that reputedly cost Britain's Admiral Nelson his right arm in an attack he led in 1797. The entrance to the museum is via a stairway opposite the lake.