Tenerife’s TZ14 Café: A Historic Gem Revived

A newly opened café in Tenerife offers visitors a chance to enjoy coffee and meals within the historic walls of a building dating back to 1782. This establishment not only serves delicious food and beverages but also stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Revitalizing a Cultural Landmark

Located in the heart of La Orotava, TZ14 Café is part of a broader initiative aimed at revitalizing properties that have long been neglected. Currently, over 500 buildings in the area are recognized as assets of cultural interest but remain unoccupied due to a combination of high renovation costs, insufficient public funding, and complex bureaucratic hurdles.

The café is situated at 14 Tomás Zerolo Street, within a structure that has been protected under municipal regulations and the Special Plan for the Historical Centre since its approval in 2012. The building’s future appeared bleak until its owner, Rafael Machado, took the initiative to embark on a lengthy restoration process, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the architectural legacy of La Orotava.

A Long Journey to Opening

The transformation of this historic property into a café was fraught with challenges. Machado dedicated six years to navigating a labyrinth of administrative hurdles, construction delays, and prolonged waiting periods. The process to secure the necessary municipal license alone took over two years, followed by an additional year to establish an electricity supply, which he described as the most frustrating aspect of the entire endeavor.

Initially, Machado envisioned converting the house into a rural hotel, but this plan was thwarted by protective regulations that restricted modifications to the load-bearing walls, which are essential for such a conversion. This setback, however, did not deter him; instead, it led to the innovative idea of opening a café that could serve the community while preserving the building’s historical integrity.

Unique Décor and Community Focus

Now operating as TZ14, the café has been open for two months and currently serves customers only in the morning due to limited revenue. However, Machado remains optimistic about extending hours in the future as the café gains popularity among locals and tourists alike.

The café’s design philosophy emphasizes the reuse of historical elements, showcasing Machado’s dedication to sustainability and heritage. He has restored and repurposed antique doors and other materials he collected over the years. Each table features unique decorations, including covers from vintage magazines, 45 RPM vinyl records, and botanical prints of Tenerife, creating a distinctive atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

Among the notable items displayed are editions of Triunfo, a significant publication from the past, and Playboy covers that gained prominence after the end of the dictatorship. The restoration work was carried out by Pedro, a skilled craftsman who collaborates closely with Machado, ensuring that every detail reflects the café’s historical roots.

Despite the numerous obstacles faced during the restoration process, Machado firmly believes that such efforts are crucial for preserving the historical heritage of La Orotava. He notes that younger generations often perceive these older homes as impractical due to issues like humidity and outdated plumbing, which poses a challenge for future preservation efforts.

The only financial support received for the project was a €20,000 grant from the Tenerife Council, aimed at repairing water-damaged columns, which had to be replaced incrementally. This funding was vital in enabling the restoration to move forward, albeit at a slow pace.

The family has owned the property since the early 20th century, originally purchased by Machado’s grandmother. Over the years, the house has undergone various changes, including a modernist alteration of its original stone façade by previous owners, which adds to the building’s complex history.

A striking feature of the café is a mural located in the garden, created by the artistic collective S. This artwork not only enhances the café’s ambiance but also serves as a reminder of the vibrant artistic community in La Orotava.

Key points

• The TZ14 café is located in a historic building from 1782 in La Orotava, Tenerife.
• Over 500 properties in La Orotava are recognized as cultural assets but remain unoccupied.
• Rafael Machado spent six years restoring the property to open the café.
• The café currently operates only in the mornings due to limited revenue.
• Machado reused and restored antique elements for the café’s unique décor.
• The only public funding received was a €20,000 grant for repairs.
• The family has owned the property since the early 20th century.