A million euros has been allocated to restore nine artworks, altarpieces and structures of the historical heritage of the church in Tenerife. This marks the tangible outcome of the agreement formed between the Chapter and the Bishopric. More than 200,000 euros in grants have been designated for restoration work on seven properties of significant cultural importance. Additionally, a financial contribution of 879,019 euros has been awarded to the Diocese to facilitate the restoration of the Dolores Chapel in Icod de los Vinos and the Van Damme House in La Laguna. This undertaking is part of the Insular Historical Heritage Programme 2023-2027.
The insular director of Heritage, Isabella de Esteban, explains that this initiative is a component of the programme which “outlines the actions to be taken annually in the rehabilitation of real estate and furniture with cultural significance.” This strategic plan, which has been underway since 2023, includes grants aimed at individuals, community owners, local councils, and the Bishopric itself. The goal is to encourage the preservation of rural and urban heritage while also aiding “the preparation of municipal catalogs and special plans for the protection of historical sites,” as emphasised by De Esteban.
Moreover, the director highlighted the substantial commitment from the island government to support the area, with a budget allocation of 15 million euros for this year, “which will enable the execution of various projects that span” architectural rehabilitation, restoration, and interventions in public areas,” she remarked.
The items set for restoration include the Image of San Lorenzo, dating back to the 18th century, housed in the parish of San Lorenzo Mártir (Valle San Lorenzo, Arona); the Altarpiece of the Chapel of Saint Peter and Saints Men located in La Concepción de Santa Cruz de Tenerife – an 18th century baroque piece (c. 1750), anonymous, crafted in carved, polychrome and gilded wood –; and the Main altarpiece of the church of San Francisco de Asís in Puerto de la Cruz, also from the 18th century and likewise anonymous, constructed in carved, polychrome and gilded wood.
Furthermore, the list includes the Altarpiece of the Lord of Cañita, phase I, which resides in the Parish of Our Lady of La Concepción de Santa Cruz. This is an anonymous baroque work (pre-1737), in carved, polychrome and gilded wood.
Continuing the catalogue is the altarpiece of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, preserved in the church of Nuestra Señora de la Luz (Guía de Isora). This neo-Gothic piece, also anonymous, dates from the early 20th century. Another altarpiece slated for restoration is that of the Lord of Tribulations, located in the main parish of San Francisco de Asís, which originates from the Baroque period, specifically the mid-18th century, and is also anonymous.
Finally, included in this catalogue is the renewal of the Altarpiece of the Blessed Sacrament (phase II) of the Church of Las Nieves (Taganana, Santa Cruz). This piece resides in a niche and is crafted from carved and polychrome wood, anonymous and a product of 18th-century Canarian baroque.
