Council Rejects Cultural Heritage Declaration for Franco Monument
The Full Council of Cultural Heritage of the Canary Islands has decided this Thursday to reject the declaration of the so-called Franco Monument as a Cultural Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC), classified as a Monument. This refers to the sculpture by Juan de Ávalos, located at the junction of Rambla de Santa Cruz and Avenida de Anaga in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
### Majority Rejection
According to a statement from the Government of the Canary Islands, the decision was made by a significant majority, with 16 votes against the declaration, one abstention, and no votes in favour. The council concluded that the sculpture “does not meet the necessary heritage values” for protection under the highest form of oversight outlined in the Canarian cultural heritage legislation.
### Role of the Council
The Council of Cultural Heritage of the Canary Islands serves as the primary body for coordination, consultation, and participation in cultural heritage matters within the archipelago. It includes representation from the Government of the Canary Islands, the seven island councils, the Canarian Federation of Municipalities, the Royal Canarian Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Michael the Archangel, professional associations of architects, Canarian universities, museums, associations dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage, and experts in the field.
### Initiation of Proceedings
The decision takes place within the framework of the proceedings initiated by the Tenerife Island Council in October 2024 to assess the potential protection of this artwork, in compliance with a ruling issued on 28 June 2024 by the Third Administrative Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. They note that prior to the Full Council’s deliberation, the Technical Commission on Architectural Heritage of the Council examined the file during its session on 28 April 2026. Following its review of the documentation submitted and information provided by the Tenerife Island Council as the instructing administration, it issued an “unfavourable opinion” regarding the declaration as a Cultural Asset of Cultural Interest.
