The people of Tenerife have a lot to be proud of. One of them — the famous British Vice Admiral Nelson, was defeated in the battle for the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. To resist the attacks of the British fleet, the Spanish authorities decided to build a fortress on the island. Construction ended in 1884, but by that time, the value of this defensive structure had declined.
Now the Fort Fuerte de Almeyda, located in Santa Cruz, serves as the residence of the Military Museum of the Canary Islands (Museo Militar de Canarias). If your children are open to the history of weapons, they will see many interesting things here. In addition, this is one of the few free tours in Tenerife.
The most carefully illustrated in the museum was the battle of Santa Cruz in 1797 — the one that Nelson lost. The diorama shows the raging sea, the cunning manoeuvres of the British landing and the actions of the defenders of the port. And nearby is a set of surgical instruments — they went into action when Nelson was seriously injured, and the ship's doctor decided to amputate his arm. In the diorama, the port is defended by soldiers, similar to those with which the boys play, but you still feel that war is not a game. Moreover, real cannons were nearby, from which they fired at British ships. Bronze tools are touched by patina, but that does not make them seem less formidable.
There are several dioramas in the museum. One of them depicts Christopher Columbus: the navigator who passed through the Canary Islands on his way to India. On others, you will see pirates who lodged where the best resorts of Tenerife are now located.
The history of military affairs is presented rather concisely. Very close to the curvy culverins, which were pulled by a pair of horses, are modern self-propelled howitzers. Also in the Military Museum in Tenerife are cold weapons and firearms, equipment used by the military, and uniforms.
In the courtyard is an exhibition of large military equipment: armoured personnel carriers, tanks, and helicopters. Kids will want to get inside every combat vehicle — and they can do it without problems. The museum's disadvantage is that all its information is only in Spanish.
