Amidst palm tree-shaped columns, Egyptian symbols and an all-seeing eye, one of Tenerife’s most mysterious and iconic heritage sites has reopened its doors. The Masonic temple in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which had been closed for decades, has been restored to its former glory following extensive renovation work. This rehabilitation not only restores the architectural beauty of the building, but also restores its historical and symbolic value.
The reopening ceremony was intended as an act of democratic remembrance, justice and reconciliation with a part of history that had been silenced for years.
The inauguration was attended by dignitaries such as the Minister of Territorial Policies and Democratic Memory, the President of the Canary Islands, the President of the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. All of them highlighted the symbolic significance of this reopening, which marks the restoration of a cultural asset that is unique in Spain.
The restoration, launched in 2022 and led by architect María Nieves Febles, was supported by the University of La Laguna and required an investment of more than three million euros from the Ministry of Culture.
The Masonic temple of the Añaza Lodge, dating from the early 20th century (1899-1902), is considered the largest Spanish Masonic temple built before the coup d’état of 1936.
The building will host a temporary exhibition on its history, Masonic symbolism and the restoration process. It will also offer one-hour guided tours led by historians and tour guides. The tour will include areas such as the hall of lost steps, the chapter house and the chamber of reflection, located underground, where subdued lighting invites introspection.
The mayor revealed that the temple is set to become a Masonic interpretation centre in the coming years, ‘a meeting place for Freemasons and non-Freemasons’, allowing visitors to explore the history of this institution and its cultural influence in the Canary Islands up close.
Open to visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Guided tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.