– AYUNTAMIENTO DE LA LAGUNA – Archivo
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The City Council of La Laguna and the University of La Laguna (ULL) have signed an agreement to address the restoration and rehabilitation of the sculpture of Padre Anchieta.
This sculpture, created by artist Bruno Giorgi in 1960, has undergone various studies and analyses over the past eighteen months, confirming the need for this comprehensive intervention by the academic institution.
The signing of the project involved several key figures, including the Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez; the Rector of the University of La Laguna, Francisco García; the Councillor for Cultural Heritage, Adolfo Cordobés; the Deputy Mayor of the local council, Fran Hernández; the city chronicler, Eliseo Izquierdo; and technical representatives from both entities.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez emphasised that signing this agreement is not merely an administrative act but a civic gesture: “It is a public commitment to the conservation of our heritage, to Anchieta’s memory, and to the cultural projection of our beloved municipality. This project combines scientific rigor, institutional transparency, and historical sensitivity, marking a decisive step to ensure that this emblematic symbol for our citizens is preserved in the best possible conditions.”
Meanwhile, Francisco García expressed his satisfaction at being able to put the university’s best resources at the service of both society and the City Council. He stated, “On this occasion, we are committed to the maintenance and repair of a culturally significant asset using two of our strongest tools: the Padre Anchieta Cultural Chair and the Art Analysis and Documentation Service (SADOA).”
Adolfo Cordobés detailed that “the restoration of the sculpture will be accompanied by complementary activities, such as a cultural programme related to the anniversary of Anchieta’s death, scheduled from 16 to 19 June at the house named after him, located near Plaza del Adelantado.”
This programme, organised by the Cultural Heritage department and the Padre Anchieta Cultural Chair, “will deepen our understanding of the life and work of the saint from historical, scientific, and cultural perspectives,” he explained.
The Casa Anchieta will also house the future Padre Anchieta Interpretation Centre, currently undergoing administrative processing, which will establish this location as a centre for dissemination and study.
Eliseo Izquierdo celebrated that “this agreement is a decisive step towards the conservation of a first-category monumental piece known worldwide. Preserving this iconic element is an urgent task and an obligation that must be addressed.”
He also reminded attendees that this sculpture was a gift from the Government of Brazil to the people of La Laguna, stating that “this image belongs to the municipality’s citizens.”
PREVIOUS TECHNICAL STUDIES
The morphochemical studies conducted in 2024 confirmed the necessity for intervention.
The sculpture currently displays surface alterations typical of over six decades of exposure to outdoor elements, though the underlying metal structure remains in good condition.
The restoration will stabilise the patinas, rectify deteriorating areas, restore the granite base, and apply long-lasting protective measures.
The approved agreement involves a comprehensive intervention, backed by a municipal budget of €84,793.57, expanded from the initial technical study to include biennial scientific follow-up in 2027 and 2028, documentation, ongoing supervision, and enhanced protective measures.
The university will also contribute €6,875 for scientific dissemination.
The signing took place on 8 June, the eve of the 429th anniversary of the death of San José de Anchieta (9 June 1597).
This timing reinforces the significance of the event, serving as an institutional tribute to one of the most influential figures in the history of La Laguna and the Canary Islands.
Anchieta was more than just an evangeliser and educator; he was also a poet, playwright, naturalist, linguist, and founder of cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
His legacy transcends the religious and is integral to La Laguna’s international projection.
Thus, the restoration of his monument is framed within a context of memory, identity, and historical recognition, as noted by the City Council.
