A pair of retired architectural experts and educators from IES Geneto, Ángel Peñalosa and Beatriz García, are on a mission to raise awareness about halting the “barbaric” degradation of the historical home of the Tenerife privateer Amaro Pargo, located in the municipality of El Rosario. They aim to salvage what remains of the privately owned property, which has been designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).
They are speaking out against the relentless assault on this estate by treasure hunters who have been lured by the myth that the renowned lagoon figure from the 17th and 18th centuries concealed a vast fortune within its walls. Peñalosa and García stress that “the true treasure is the home itself.”
Peñalosa and García have launched an initiative to facilitate dialogue between public authorities and the property owner to implement measures against the destruction of the house, which has been subjected to raids in pursuit of a “non-existent treasure,” resulting in stones being removed “mercilessly.”
With their expertise, the architect duo aims to act as the “foundation” and maintain communication with all stakeholders, public and private, to foster the desired collaboration that would enable the restoration of this estate and historical residence.
Observing one of the resilient corners of the antique walls of the estate, García asserts that “the home retains its value and is rich in ancient and robust building materials, suggesting that what remains can still be salvaged; it is an Asset of Cultural Interest that should not be forsaken, necessitating measures to prevent further deterioration.”
Therefore, they believe that public authorities should make a concerted effort to restore the house and transform it into an interpretation centre for the Camino Viejo de Candelaria. Historical accounts mention that during the pilgrimages made by the Virgin of Candelaria, the members of the Cabildo would stay overnight at this estate for a fee, shedding light on the life of Amaro Pargo, the merchant and privateer.
Who was Amaro Pargo?
Born in La Laguna on May 3, 1678, to parents who worked as farmers and traders, Amaro Pargo came from a family of seven siblings, three of whom became nuns. He began his maritime career at the age of 14 and became a second lieutenant by 21. He amassed a significant fortune, owning 900 bushels and 60 properties, and held positions as a privateer and captain appointed by the monarchy.
In addition to owning ships for trade with Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and the Mediterranean, where he exported products from his estates such as malvasia wine and liquor, as well as trading in cocoa, fabrics, tobacco, among other goods. Despite the prevalent slave trade at the time, Amaro Pargo was not extensively involved and even aided some in their escape.
He left behind his nephews, Amaro González de Mesa and Ana Josefa Rodríguez Felipe, as heirs. Among the properties they inherited was the Toriño estate in Machado, which was part of the privateer’s holdings since at least 1642. The last resident of the house was Felipe Trujillo, who resided there until 1975, claiming to be a descendant of the privateer.
Amaro Pargo was a close friend of Sister María de Jesús, also known as “The Little Servant or the Incorrupt Nun,” due to her three sisters being cloistered nuns. He arranged for the acquisition of a sarcophagus to house her remains, which are now displayed at the Catalinas convent in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
He made enhancements to the Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, patronized churches and hermitages on the island, notably contributing the silver throne of the Deceased Lord in the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, where he was laid to rest in October 1747. His tombstone is open to visitors.
