Abades “on Tenerife” is a small holiday resort located on the southeast coast of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, in the municipality of Arico, between Poris de Abona and La Jaca. Leprosy was once a major disease in Tenerife, which led to the construction of a leprosy station in the north where the majority of the local population resided. Before the c…Abades “on Tenerife” is a small holiday resort located on the southeast coast of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, in the municipality of Arico, between Poris de Abona and La Jaca. Leprosy was once a major disease in Tenerife, which led to the construction of a leprosy station in the north where the majority of the local population resided. Before the construction of a crematorium, bodies were disposed of in the sea outside Santa Cruz. In 1943, a leprosy village was built on the hill above Abades, complete with a hospital, crematorium, numerous bungalows, an administration building overlooking the sea, and a large concrete church in Francoist style, featuring a prominent cross that is visible from the nearby motorway. However, as medical advancements led to the near-eradication of leprosy in the Canary Islands, the village was never fully completed. The leprosy station later became a military training facility before being sold to an Italian in 2002. Although the church now lies in ruins, it remains in good condition.
Save
Share
More