The Cabildo has commenced the restoration of Lola house “His last dweller was called.” or Casa de la Cueva –which housed the previous one before its construction–, situated at number 10 on City Council Street, in the urban centre of Guia de Isora. Awarded to Construcciones Felipe Méndez SL for 1.3 million euros and a completion period of 18 months, this 18th-century building aims to serve as a multidisciplinary cultural space as well as the venue for the permanent exhibition of Isoran artist Manuel Martín González.
Recognised as being of Cultural Interest as declared by Decree on March 10, 2009, the building is positioned between the City Hall and La Vera streets. This structure has played a significant role in the municipality’s history: it used to function as a bakery and a confectionery. For a period, the oven from that time has been preserved. Following its original purpose, the basement was repurposed into a popular leisure establishment formerly referred to as the cave. For many years, Casa Lola served as the barracks of the Civil Guard and during the Spanish Civil War, it was a location where details of war casualties and events were published.
Visit of island and local authorities at Casa Lola’s restoration site / The day
The restoration works were observed by the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, and the mayor of Guia de Isora, Ana Dorta, along with the island’s director of historical heritage, Isabel de Esteban, and the first deputy mayor, Carlos Javier Álvarez.
Rosa Dávila emphasises the historical, emblematic, and heritage value of this structure
Rosa Dávila highlighted the significance of undertaking the restoration of such an emblematic structure for Guia de Isora and especially for its urban setting. “A restoration that, on one hand, will help preserve the town’s historical heritage, and on the other, will invigorate cultural life for the enjoyment and use of all local residents and visitors.”
The governor, Ana Dorta, expressed gratitude to the Cabildo for supporting the property’s recovery, stating, “we are considering establishing a gallery for our distinguished artist Manuel Martín González, as I believe the necessary conditions will be created to showcase all of their work here for the enjoyment of all the isorans.”
Historical Heritage
Isabel de Esteban noted that the rehabilitation of Casa Lola “is part of the projects planned within the Insular Programme for Historical Heritage 2023-2027.” An initiative that “aligns with our commitment, along with all professionals working in the historical heritage sector, to implement preservation projects for Tenerife’s historical heritage.”
The councillor, Carlos Javier Álvarez, underscored the heritage values that Casa Lola holds, stating that once restored, it will provide a space that elevates the culture and cultural heritage of Guia de Isora.
This project was advocated from the Historical Heritage Area of the Cabildo during the 2015-2019 Mandate, in which the area was overseen by Josefa Mesa Mora.
