Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Masonic Temple Reopens After Extensive Restoration
The Masonic Temple in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has officially reopened its doors following a significant restoration effort, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s cultural heritage.
Significant Restoration Efforts
After being closed for several decades, the Masonic Temple has undergone extensive renovations that have restored its architectural grandeur. The reopening ceremony took place on a recent Monday, celebrating not only the building’s aesthetic revival but also its historical and symbolic importance. This event was framed as a moment of democratic memory and reconciliation, addressing a part of history that had long been overlooked.
Notable Attendees and Historical Context
The inauguration attracted several prominent figures, including Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister of Territorial Policies and Democratic Memory; Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Canary Islands; Rosa Dávila, the President of the Tenerife Cabildo; and José Manuel Bermúdez, the Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Each speaker emphasized the reopening’s significance, highlighting the temple’s status as a unique Cultural Asset in Spain.
The rehabilitation project, which began in 2022 under the guidance of architect María Nieves Febles, received support from the University of La Laguna and involved an investment exceeding three million euros from the Ministry of Culture. Torres remarked that the project symbolizes a recovery of historical values, recalling that the temple once hosted secular education classes inspired by the Instituto Libre de Enseñanza, which were suppressed during the dictatorship.
From Suppression to Recognition
During the Franco regime, the temple faced unfounded accusations that aimed to tarnish the reputation of Freemasonry, linking it to fabricated rituals. In a move to honor its legacy, the Ministry has initiated a process to designate the temple as a site of democratic memory. Mayor Bermúdez expressed joy over the restoration of a building that had been closed for far too long, calling it a vital component of the city’s historical and cultural landscape.
Constructed between 1900 and 1904 by architect Manuel de Cámara y Cruz, the temple is renowned for its exquisite design and rich symbolism, making it one of the most beautiful Masonic temples globally.
Architectural and Symbolic Richness
The temple’s façade showcases Egyptian motifs, including sphinxes, palm-like columns, and the famed all-seeing eye, which symbolize knowledge and the pursuit of truth. Its architectural layout is notably aligned with other significant Masonic structures worldwide, enhancing its uniqueness.
Inside, the temple houses several areas of symbolic importance, such as the Hall of Meetings, the Chamber of Reflection, and the Hall of the Agape. These spaces were once the venues for rituals and gatherings of the Añaza Lodge, established in 1895 and recognized as the most influential lodge in the Canary Islands throughout the 20th century.
Future Plans for the Temple
Following the Civil War, the temple served as a military pharmacy, which inadvertently aided in its preservation. In 2001, the Santa Cruz City Council acquired the building from the Ministry of Defence for approximately 600,000 euros, initiating a lengthy recovery process. The completed renovation, finalized this year, required a total investment of 3.2 million euros.
Architect María Nieves Febles noted that the restoration involved extensive research and collaboration with Freemasons to maintain the temple’s original essence. Among the recovered artifacts are an original saber and a small sword from the Añaza Lodge, temporarily provided by the Military History Museum of the Canary Islands.
The temple will feature a temporary exhibition detailing its history, Masonic symbolism, and the restoration process. Additionally, one-hour guided tours will be available, led by historians and tourist guides, showcasing areas like the Hall of Lost Steps and the Chamber of Reflection, which is located underground and designed for introspection.
Mayor Bermúdez announced plans for the temple to become a Masonic Interpretation Centre in the coming years, serving as a gathering place for both Freemasons and the general public to explore the institution’s history and its cultural impact in the Canary Islands.
Key points
- The Masonic Temple in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has reopened after extensive restoration.
- The renovation was led by architect María Nieves Febles and involved over three million euros in funding.
- Notable figures attended the reopening, emphasizing its cultural significance.
- The temple will serve as a Masonic Interpretation Centre, offering guided tours and exhibitions.
- It features rich symbolism, including Egyptian motifs and significant historical spaces.
- The building has a complex history, including its use during the Franco regime and its acquisition by the city council in 2001.
