Mummies, markets and maybe some defences

 Mostly we are going along the Calle San Francisco, which is a one car wide sort of a place, packed with people and places which we won’t go into. 



We are heading for the Museum of Nature and Archaeology.  I have been thinking about this.  We have a limited time. Should I be going to things which are unique to Santa Cruz or should I go to museums which, will in part, tell bigger stories which are not just Canarian.  The blurb on the Google link says ‘Museum tracing islands' natural history, with mummies & artifacts from the native Guanche culture.’  So, I think we are ok.  https://www.museosdetenerife.org/muna-museo-de-naturaleza-y-arqueologia/museo/museo-arqueologico/ They have mummies.  Are these the sort that come alive in museums? I will need to consider this as presently I am hunting them in Kenilworth Castle.  https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/kenilworth-castle-halloween-half-term-24-31-oct-2025/  



Four weeks ago Kyrstof said ‘Fantastic, modern exhibition on the Canary Islands' history, clearly divided into natural and archeological parts. The world’s best collection of indigenous Canarian cultural artifacts. It slightly lacked more information about the destruction vs. assimilation of these people. Tons of interesting facts, while the overall museum is still relatively compact, not a mammoth that requires a half-day visit.’  



Simona clearly wanted more ‘If you're only in Tenerife for vacation, don't go there. Even if you have seen everything, it still feels like a waste of time. Besides, the majority of the information there is displayed only in Spanish even if it seems that only the tourists visit it. The museum feels forgotten and outdated, full of light-bleached pictures, old non-working TVs and walls of text. Moreover, in places the text has low contrast which makes it hard to read. The building has 3 floors. We spend around 2 hours there and saw most of the expositions. There is very little interactivity so going through the museum can feel quite boring and tedious. It's a shame because there are many interesting expositions that with a little update and more cohesive layout could make this museum a lot more enjoyable. Only time to go there is from 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays when the visits are FREE. Don't try going earlier because they'll make you wait until it's 16:00.



Who can resist a market and this was the one we won’t.  The Mercado Ntra. Señora de África was set up in 1943 and Chloe says ‘Such a hidden gem! We walked past this place about 3 times before we actually noticed it, but I'm so glad we went in! The staff were so friendly and accomodating and recommended wines and certain menu items. The jamon and cheese board was fantastic, and we also received a bread baskets with little personalised crackers. The wine was so lovely we ended up purchasing a bottle of it. It was such a lovely place, I would definitely recommend! You can also buy Jamon, cheese, and wine to take away. 100% recommend!’  



Gustav agrees ‘Really fantastic market and absolutely worth a visit. We were on a cruise and only had a day in Tenerife and we were glad we visited. Beautiful historic building with food and produce stalls lining the perimeter, and a craft market in the central area. You can buy ready to eat treats, gourmet spices etc, and fresh produce & meat. You’ll find locals buying stuff so it’s a real market. Downstairs are a few more stalls, and also the fish market- and it’s amazing! It’s not huge but it’s lively and packed with fresh fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and more. Between the fish stalls are casual restaurant counters where you can eat freshly prepared seafood dishes, while watching the bustling market all around you. We found a space and enjoyed a seafood tapas lunch with delicious Spanish Albariño wine. Highly recommended!



So to the coast, past the remnants of the San Francisco battery - small ruins of a 1775 defence - and the Casa de la Polvora. Max says ‘If you're interested in military history, you must come see this historic site. The Casa de la Pólvora (Gunpowder House) is a former 18th-century powder magazine designed by engineer Francisco La Pierre. This rectangular building with buttresses and a barrel vault was used to store gunpowder and ammunition for Santa Cruz's coastal defenses. Located very close to San Juan Castle, it is one of the best-preserved historic military buildings in the city.’  Again, one for the fans.



So we end the day.

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