The mysterious underwater cemetery of Malpique
At the bottom of the ocean, off the coast of La Palma, lies one of the most symbolic places of the Canary archipelago: the crosses of Malpique. This underwater cemetery in La Palma does not contain traditional graves, but rather a submerged tribute to 40 religious figures murdered in the 16th century. Located off the beach of Malpique, this sanctuary was created by the local community as a silent tribute to the victims of a pirate attack.
A tribute built in the name of faith
In the year 2000, 40 submerged crosses were placed on the seabed, transforming the site into an almost spectral landscape. Over time, the structures have been covered in algae and marine life, giving them a mystical and solemn appearance. Today, this cemetery on the sea floor is visited by divers from all over the world, attracted by its historical and spiritual significance.
What do the crosses of Malpique symbolize?
The story dates back to June 5, 1570. A fleet of seven ships sailed from Lisbon headed for Brazil to evangelize. One of them, the Santiago, carried 40 Franciscan religious figures as well as cargo. After stopping in Madeira, the Santiago separated from the rest of the fleet and sailed towards La Palma. Due to strong winds, it could not dock in Santa Cruz de La Palma and headed to the port of Tazacorte.
For eleven days, the religious were hosted by the Monteverde family, whose house can still be visited today. On their second attempt to reach Santa Cruz, as the galleon was passing in front of the beach at Fuencaliente, it was attacked by five corsair ships. The captain was murdered and the 40 Franciscans were thrown into the sea, condemned to a certain death.
Ecclesiastical recognition and historical memory
In 1742, Pope Benedict XIV declared martyrs of the faith to the murdered religious figures. Later, in 1854, Pope Pius IX beatified them. This recognition elevated the event to a plane of religious significance, strengthening the collective memory in La Palma.
A living place among the waves
Although it is a tribute to the deceased, the crosses of Malpique are not dead. On the contrary, the seabed has transformed them into artificial habitats. Marine life —fish, mollusks, corals— has colonized the structures, making them a natural refuge. Thus, death gives way to a new form of life, symbolizing an eternal cycle that the sea understands better than anyone.
This underwater cemetery in La Palma is, therefore, a space where history, faith, and nature intertwine.