The mysterious underwater cemetery of Malpique
At the bottom of the ocean, off the southern coast of La Palma, lies one of the most symbolic places of the archipelago: the crosses of Malpique. This underwater cemetery contains no graves. It is a submerged tribute to those 40 Jesuits killed off Fuencaliente in the 16th century. They are known as the Martyrs of Tazacorte.
A tribute under the sea
In the late 1990s, 40 crosses off the beach of Malpique, in Fuencaliente. Each one represents a murdered religious figure. They rest about 15 to 20 meters deep. Over time, they have become covered with algae and marine life, acquiring a solemn and almost spectral appearance. Today, this site is a well-known dive among divers visiting La Palma.
What do the crosses of Malpique remember?
The story dates back to 1570. On June 5 of that year, an expedition of missionaries from the Society of Jesus departed from Lisbon headed to Brazil. It was led by Father Ignacio de Azevedo. One of the ships was carrying 40 Jesuits: 32 Portuguese and 8 Spanish. The vessel separated from the rest and made a stop in La Palma.
The religious figures stopped in Tazacorte. According to tradition, Father Azevedo celebrated his last mass there, at the Hermitage of San Miguel. Soon after, the July 15, 1570, the ship was sailing off Fuencaliente towards Santa Cruz de La Palma. Then it was attacked by the Huguenot privateers of Captain Jacques de Sores. The 40 Jesuits were killed and thrown into the sea.
Ecclesiastical recognition and historical memory
The Church recognized their martyrdom on several occasions. Among these recognitions stands out that of Pope Benedict XIV in 1742. Subsequently, in 1854, Pope Pius IX beatified them. Their feast day is celebrated on July 15.
In addition to the underwater cemetery, there is another commemorative monument. In 2014, a large stone cross was inaugurated next to the Fuencaliente lighthouse, near the site of the attack.
A living place among the waves
Although they commemorate the deceased, the crosses of Malpique remain full of life. The sea has transformed them into artificial reefs. These serve as shelters for fish and other marine organisms. Thus, history, faith, and nature intertwine in one of the most special underwater sites in the Canary Islands.
If you want to see the sea off the west coast of La Palma in person, visit our Charco Verde webcam. You can also check out the Tazacorte beach, where the martyrs made their last stop.