Islote de San Gabriel forms part of the Arrecife waterfront. The coastal boundary notice published in the BOE in 2024 identifies San Gabriel, Francés and Fermina among the islets in this reef system. [1]
The islet’s history is bound to the defence of Arrecife. A fortress was built here in 1573 on the orders of Agustín de Herrera y Rojas. Morato Arráez’s attack in 1586 exposed its shortcomings and led to plans for improvements. Leonardo Torriani proposed strengthening the fortifications and connecting them to the shore by a protected causeway and drawbridge. [2]
The Puente de las Bolas retains a distinctive feature of this approach: its pillars are topped by the spheres that give the bridge its name. The castle, causeway and bridge were designated a historic and artistic ensemble in 1979, recognising their place in Arrecife’s urban heritage. [2]