Casa Fuerte

Casa Fuerte de Adeje, nestled in the heart of Adeje, Tenerife, is a captivating remnant of the island’s rich and tumultuous history. This fortified building complex, constructed in the mid-16th century, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its builders. Despite the ravages of time, it continues to draw visitors with its storied past and architectural charm.

The Origins of Casa Fuerte

Casa Fuerte’s story begins with the Genoese Ponte family, who established a sugar mill on the site, harnessing the waters of the nearby Barranco del Infierno. However, the 1500s were fraught with pirate attacks, prompting Pedro Ponte to seek permission to build a fortification to protect his burgeoning enterprise. Permission was granted in 1555, and by 1556, the strong house was constructed, making it one of the oldest buildings on Tenerife.

Strategically located adjacent to the Santa Úrsula Church in the oldest part of Adeje, Casa Fuerte quickly became the epicenter of political, economic, and social activity in the region. For over 300 years, it was known for its camels, horses, and black slaves, as well as the numerous workers, butlers, and administrators who kept the complex running smoothly.

The Layout of the Strong House

The Casa Fuerte complex sprawls across approximately 7,200 square meters, with a single entrance on the east façade leading to a central paved courtyard surrounded by various buildings. A crenellated watchtower and gun platform dominate the south side, offering a commanding view of the Atlantic Ocean. Initially used as a gunpowder store and prison, the tower later became the residence of the administrator.

The south side also housed the residence of the Marquis of Adeje, along with archives, accounting rooms, a barn, and pantries. The center of the complex featured a smithy, stables, and furnace, which was later converted into a two-story house, with the sugar mill located behind these structures. The slave quarters were positioned to the right of the main entrance, while other facilities included a bakery, granary, stables, and a public chapel.

An audit conducted on August 28, 1651, revealed that the strong house was armed with 9-10 cannon, 56 muskets, and 46 pikes, along with a trumpet. By 1655, the armament had increased to 17 cannon with 400 cannonballs, although this number had dwindled to just 5 cannon by 1737.

Renovations and Decline

In the 18th century, the complex underwent significant renovations under the direction of Domingo José de Herrera y Rojas, the last Marquis to reside in the building. From 1766 onwards, the owners lived in Madrid, and by 1779, 57 people called the complex home. The sugar mill, the oldest on Tenerife, ceased operations in 1811 due to poor cane crops, and the fields were subsequently repurposed for vineyards and fruit plantations.

Tragedy struck on April 9, 1902, when a devastating fire ravaged the structure. While the tower and entrance gate survived, along with parts of the kitchen, enclosure, and bakery, much of the complex was left in ruins. Fortunately, the family archives, described by Sabin Berthelot as the Treasury of the Canaries, were saved and are now housed in the Museo Canario, accessible online at archivohistoricoadeje.es. Furniture, paintings, chain mail, and weapons from the strong house also survived, having been moved to Madrid prior to the fire.

20th Century and Beyond

In 1904, the Curbelo de Gran Canaria family moved into the complex, constructing new buildings both inside and outside its walls. The land was utilized for the cultivation of tomatoes, bananas, aubergines, and citrus fruits, which were packaged on-site and exported to the Spanish mainland and Europe. The site employed around 40-50 people during this period. However, competition led to the closure of the packing plant in the 1980s, although tomato cultivation continued until the early 2000s under the San Sebastian cooperative.

On February 7, 1986, Casa Fuerte was designated a structure of historical interest to the Canary Islands. However, it was added to the Spanish Redlist of endangered heritage on May 13, 2019, due to its ruined and abandoned state. Since then, restoration efforts have been underway, with a grant awarded in 2021 to improve the façade, restore several roofs, and continue the overall restoration of the strong house.

Visiting Casa Fuerte Today

Today, part of Casa Fuerte is open to the public, offering a glimpse into its storied past. Visitors can explore the complex every weekday between 10 am and 1 pm, free of charge. As you wander through the remnants of this once-grand structure, you can almost hear the echoes of its vibrant history, from the bustling sugar mill to the defensive preparations against pirate attacks.

Casa Fuerte de Adeje is not just a historical monument; it is a symbol of resilience and adaptation, standing as a testament to the island’s rich and diverse heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, a trip to this remarkable site promises to be a memorable journey through time.