La ruta de las Haciendas. El rescate de un paisaje cultural relicto en el norte de Tenerife

Abstract

This work examines the historical significance of old wine-growing estates (haciendas) in northern Tenerife and their role in shaping the agricultural landscape of the island's leeward side. It also assesses the current state of preservation of this landscape and underscores its importance as a cultural and historical heritage. These haciendas were pivotal in producing the renowned canary sack wine, making them potential focal points for cultural tourism interested in gastronomy and landscape appreciation. Additionally, they serve as emblematic symbols of the local population's connection to the region's wine-growing tradition, which persists in the midlands of northern Tenerife.While these estates thrived with minimal alteration until the latter half of the 19th century, identifying them today presents challenges. This is primarily due to three factors: the reconfiguration of the modern road network since the mid-19th century, which fragmented the once contiguous properties; the gradual conversion of coastal estate lands into banana plantations, beginning in the late 19th century, altering the landscape with terracing and embankment works; and the urban expansion of the 20th century. Nevertheless, remnants of the estates' cultural and landscape significance endure, particularly along the historic route of the royal road and its branches. Even today, a significant portion of their landscape value remains visible along roadside stretches.