The Cabildo of Tenerife has allocated 1.3 million euros for the renovation of Casa Lola, located in Guía de Isora. This building, constructed in the latter half of the 18th century, served as the location where records of war incidents and casualties during the Civil War were publicly disseminated.
The contract for the renovation has been awarded to Construcciones Felipe Méndez, amounting to 1.3 million euros, with an expected completion time of 18 months, as announced on Sunday by the Cabildo de Tenerife in a statement.
The property, owned by the insular corporation, is commonly referred to as Casa Lola, named after its last occupant.
The alternative name, Cave House, originates from a cave that was preserved in the basement prior to the building’s construction.
Isabel de Esteban, the island director of Historical Heritage, emphasises the significance of supporting such restoration efforts to showcase the rich cultural and architectural heritage, safeguarding its historical values while also creating new uses for community benefit, all whilst respecting the building’s heritage traits.
Built in the latter part of the 18th century, the house features traditional architectural styles and has held various purposes throughout its history. At one point, it served as a bakery and confectionery, famed for its sweets from Guía de Isora, and facilities such as the oven remain in the premises.
At another time, it functioned as a popular entertainment venue known as La Cueva in the basement. Additionally, it served as the Civil Guard barracks and a place where reports of war incidents and casualties during the Spanish Civil War were announced to the public.
The rehabilitation project aims to transform the first floor into an open-plan multidisciplinary space suitable for acoustic concerts, exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
Furthermore, it is intended to serve as a venue for events related to historical-artistic heritage, including the possibility of hosting gatherings on the roof.
The aim for the second floor is to establish it as a permanent exhibition space dedicated to the works of the Isorano painter Manuel Martín González (1905-1988), who is regarded by critics as one of the finest landscape painters from the Canary Islands.
