A tourist was arrested yesterday (Wednesday) by the National Police for defacing the historic ruins of Gordejuela, a renowned landmark in Los Realejos, Tenerife.
According to Radio Televisión Canaria, the person, whose identity has not been disclosed, was caught painting graffiti on the privately owned water elevator.
This site has recently gained prominence as a important tourist attraction in Tenerife, garnering international attention through social media platforms.
The ruins of Gordejuela, celebrated for their enchanting appearance, have been recognised as the most beautiful abandoned site on the planet by Civitatis. This accolade highlights the growing popularity of the location among holidaymakers seeking unique and picturesque destinations.
For decades, the water elevator remained largely forgotten and unknown to those outside Los Realejos. Its resurgence began with the enhancement of the nearby Rambla de Castro trail, undertaken by the local council and the Cabildo.
This scenic pathway connects the natural landscape with Los Roques beach and the Punta Brava neighbourhood in Puerto de la Cruz. Midway along the trail lie the ruins of Gordejuela, nestled at the base of a steep ravine adjacent to the cliff, overlooking the nearly untouched beach of La Fajana.
The formidable, weathered walls of the complex, constructed in the early 20th century, house Tenerife’s first steam engine. These structures withstood the relentless assault of the Atlantic Ocean waves, presenting a striking image that captivates visitors at first glance.
The Hamilton family established their presence on the island in the early 18th century, engaging in the production and export of bananas, tomatoes, and potatoes. They also operated a shipping business, including coal ships, and contributed to the founding of CD Tenerife, the Hotel Taoro, and the Real Club Náutico. Additionally, they were responsible for constructing the Gordejuela water elevator.
In 1898, Hamilton & Co. founded the Sociedad de Aguas de la Gordejuela to harness the springs along the coast of Los Realejos, named after its original owner, Juan de Gordejuela y Mesa. The installation of the elevator in an old gofio mill, equipped with Tenerife’s first steam engine, was a significant achievement of its time.
By 1902, facing potential price hikes, the company acquired all shares of the society. Subsequently, they built a station with steam pumps capable of lifting 10,000 buckets daily—equivalent to 4,800 cubic metres—to a reservoir situated 270 metres above ground, using a two-kilometre-long iron pipe. To distribute the water throughout the Valley of La Orotava, a twelve-kilometre aqueduct was constructed.
The industrial complex comprised two main units. The first included a warehouse and the mediating house, alongside another building featuring a 50-metre-high chimney that housed the steam engine. The second building, the most prominent of the ensemble, was one of Tenerife’s largest at the time, boasting five levels. Designed and overseen by military engineer José Galván Balaguer, the project was lauded as a "Roman work" during its construction.
The total investment in the installation exceeded one million pesetas (6,000 euros), placing the company in a precarious financial position. Fluctuating economic conditions due to international circumstances adversely affected the fruit trade. To secure a return on their investment, the company leased the facility to Elder & Fyffes in 1910 and subsequently sold it to them in 1919.
Technological advancements in subsequent years necessitated changes in the water-lifting methods, rendering the original complex obsolete and leading to its gradual abandonment.