Revitalizing Icod de los Vinos: The Inquisition House Becomes a Wine Centre

The picturesque town of Icod de los Vinos is poised for a remarkable cultural transformation as plans are set in motion to convert the historic Casa de la Inquisición into a dedicated wine centre. This initiative not only aims to celebrate the town’s rich viticultural heritage but also to breathe new life into a building steeped in history.

A Vision for a Wine Museum

Despite its long-standing reputation for wine production, which dates back to the 16th century, Icod de los Vinos currently lacks a dedicated museum or space that encapsulates its viticultural legacy. This void is about to be filled by a private entrepreneur, Pablo Pailof, who has successfully acquired the Casa de la Inquisición. His vision is to establish a Wine House-Museum that will serve as a tribute to the town’s historical connection to winemaking.

Located on Arcipreste Ossuna Street, adjacent to the scenic Drago Park, the Casa de la Inquisición is a 17th-century structure that will undergo extensive renovations to accommodate the new wine centre. Pailof has confirmed that the project has received the necessary approvals from the Cabildo of Tenerife, and the design has been meticulously crafted to honor both the building’s historical significance and its new purpose. The acquisition process was notably complex, involving negotiations with the former heirs, some of whom were based in Madrid, which extended the timeline of the project.

Architectural Features and Cultural Importance

Pailof has outlined an array of exciting features for the new wine centre that will enhance the visitor experience. Among these is a traditional tea wood wine press, which will be prominently displayed in the courtyard, symbolizing the town’s winemaking traditions. The lower level of the centre will be transformed into a cellar, complete with barrels that will evoke the essence of wine production. Meanwhile, the upper floor is set to showcase a collection of historical viticulture tools, including pressers and other equipment that reflect the techniques used in winemaking during earlier centuries.

This ambitious transformation is not merely about creating a new attraction; it aims to preserve the historical significance of the Casa de la Inquisición, a building that once served as a site for serious inquiries into crimes against Catholic orthodoxy. By repurposing this historic residence into a focal point for wine culture, the project seeks to intertwine the past with the present, creating a space where visitors can appreciate both the history of the Inquisition and the rich tradition of winemaking in the region.

The Inquisition House: A Glimpse into History

The Casa de la Inquisición has a storied past, having served as a critical site for conducting inquiries into crimes against Catholic orthodoxy in Icod and its surrounding areas. According to Miguel Edmundo Delgado López, a documentary maker and historian, the inquisitor stationed at this location oversaw various cases involving accusations of witchcraft, Judaism, and Freemasonry, among other charges. The inquisitorial process was rigorous, with interrogations taking place within the house itself. If sufficient evidence was gathered against the accused, they would be sent to Las Palmas for further legal proceedings.

The Tribunal of the Holy Office of Icod was established around 1668, during a time when the town’s population was approximately 700 inhabitants. The inquisitor’s patron saint, Saint Peter Martyr, was commemorated in the church of San Sebastián, located at the former convent of San Agustín. This historical context adds layers of depth to the building’s significance, making its transformation into a wine centre all the more poignant.

Many locals were directly involved in the Inquisition, and the records reveal notable cases, including those against individuals such as Ana Domínguez and María Rosario, who was infamously known as ‘La Clacas’. Additionally, legal matters stemming from incidents in the nearby town of Garachico further illustrate the far-reaching impact of the Inquisition on the local populace.

Key points

• The Casa de la Inquisición in Icod de los Vinos is being transformed into a wine centre.
• The project aims to create a Wine House-Museum to honor the town’s wine heritage.
• Pablo Pailof is leading the renovation, which has been approved by the Cabildo of Tenerife.
• The property is located on Arcipreste Ossuna Street, adjacent to Drago Park.
• The Inquisition House has historical significance, having been a site for inquiries into crimes against Catholic orthodoxy.
• The transformation will feature a traditional wine press and historical viticulture tools.
• The Inquisition’s Tribunal in Icod was established around 1668, serving a population of about 700.