Cabildo de Tenerife and Diocese Forge Agreement for Ecclesiastical Heritage Preservation

On December 15, 2023, a significant collaboration agreement was signed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife aimed at the restoration and conservation of ecclesiastical heritage.

Collaboration Details and Funding Structure

The agreement was formalized by Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, and Eloy Santiago, Bishop of the Nivariense Diocese. Under this partnership, the Cabildo will finance 70% of the restoration costs, while the Diocese will contribute the remaining 30%. This initiative is set to span four years and includes three specific addendums that outline various aspects of the restoration efforts.

At a press conference, Dávila and Santiago, accompanied by Isabel de Esteban, the island’s councillor for Territorial and Historical Heritage, elaborated on the agreement’s framework and objectives.

Focus on Cultural Heritage Restoration

The first addendum emphasizes the restoration of cultural heritage sites, many of which are designated as Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC). Notable locations targeted for restoration include the Temple of Santo Domingo in Güímar, the Parish Temple of San Juan Bautista in San Juan de la Rambla, and the chapels of Our Lady of Regla and San Telmo in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

This section of the agreement also extends to the preservation of movable assets, such as Baroque altars, paintings, and other liturgical elements that hold significant historical and artistic value. These items are closely associated with parishes and temples that are vital to the island’s cultural identity, necessitating a careful and expert approach to their conservation.

Musical Heritage and Digital Initiatives

The third addendum focuses on the restoration of musical organs, including the second phase of the organ from the Castellano-Andalusian School located at the Church of San Francisco de Asís in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Additionally, the agreement encompasses a project aimed at digitizing the diocesan archive, which is fully funded by the Cabildo. This initiative is designed to improve accessibility to historical documents and resources.

Dávila remarked that this agreement represents a strategic approach to managing the island’s ecclesiastical heritage. She emphasized that investing in heritage is synonymous with investing in the future, as it forms an integral part of the island’s history and identity. During this legislative term, approximately six million euros will be allocated for the protection and conservation of both civil and ecclesiastical heritage, with over 2.7 million euros specifically earmarked for the year 2026.

Furthermore, Dávila highlighted the potential for this agreement to create specialized employment opportunities within the heritage conservation sector.

Strengthening Relationships and Community Engagement

Bishop Santiago expressed the significance of this agreement for the Diocese, noting its role in enhancing the value of religious heritage. He acknowledged the positive relationship and collaboration with the Cabildo, stating that all church properties are cataloged and that efforts are underway to work with various administrations, including the University of La Laguna (ULL), to make these properties accessible for educational purposes.

He also mentioned that some church facilities could be temporarily utilized for students, and part of the seminary has already been allocated to the Canary Islands Government to assist with the ongoing migration crisis. Additionally, certain properties have been designated for affordable social rental through Cáritas.

Isabel de Esteban expressed her appreciation to the Diocese of Tenerife for its ongoing collaboration and commitment to heritage conservation. She commended the Tenerife president for her decisive efforts in preserving historical heritage, which she noted translates into effective planning, resource allocation, and a strategic vision that views heritage as an investment in the future. This approach aims to generate identity, knowledge, and economic dynamism through initiatives that support specialized sectors comprising technicians, archaeologists, historians, craftsmen, restorers, and contractors from Tenerife.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife and the Diocese of Nivariense signed a four-year agreement for ecclesiastical heritage conservation.
• The Cabildo will fund 70% of the restoration costs, with the Diocese covering 30%.
• Restoration efforts will focus on several significant cultural heritage sites, including the Temple of Santo Domingo and the Parish Temple of San Juan Bautista.
• The agreement includes initiatives for the restoration of musical organs and the digitization of the diocesan archive.
• Approximately six million euros will be invested in heritage protection during the current legislative term.
• The agreement aims to create specialized employment opportunities in the heritage conservation sector.
• Collaboration with the University of La Laguna is planned to enhance accessibility to church properties.