This square is a meeting place and of cultural interest for the islands. In the past, the beach Playa de la Arena also covered the square’s surface. From 1697 to 1826 the place housed the Castle of San Pedro, a defensive fortress. Today a Pilgrims’ Fountain stands out at the square. Alfredo Reyes Darias designed it, he also designed the first square and the ancient Guanche’s sculptures that can be seen today at the boulevard Rambla de los Menceyes.
This wide sea-open square welcomes all visitors to Candelaria. It sometimes becomes the main stage and a meeting point to enjoy festivities and important events. In the past, it used to be a huge black sand beach used by the local population as a makeshift football pitch or wrestling ground. The first square was inaugurated the same year as the Basilica, in 1959. During its construction, Alfredo Reyes Darias assumed the artistic direction. He also designed the Pilgrims’ Fountain that can be seen today near the main Basilica’s entrance. Subsequently, the last remodelling was carried out in 1982.