The stunning Genoese fountain standing tall in the iconic Weyler Square has reached a milestone of 125 years and has been rejuvenated both inside and out. Starting in July 2023, the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife initiated the conservation and restoration works of this artistic masterpiece in the capital. Originally scheduled for completion in five months, the reopening was delayed until yesterday due to various reasons.
The sculptural fountain, along with the four surrounding flowerpots, designated as a Site of Cultural Interest within the Historical Complex of the Los Hoteles-Pino de Oro District, has been brought back to its former glory through a restoration project led by the General Foundation of the University of La Laguna. The project, costing 55,500 euros, involved plumbing and electrical installations, as well as enhancing the waterproofing of the neoclassical marble structure dating back to 1899.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez commended “the dedication and hard work of the team comprising conservators, restorers, architects, chemists, geologists, and biologists” on a monument that “required restoration to elevate its significance, as it is arguably the most important fountain in the city, and its enhancement contributes to the preservation of our historical and cultural heritage,” he remarked.
On the other hand, Public Services Councillor, Carlos Tarife, revealed that “apart from the conservation efforts, the supports for public lighting have been repainted, and the existing 16 lights have been replaced with LED technology, resulting in a 60% energy saving. Furthermore, the green spaces in the square have been enhanced, and seasonal flowers have been replaced, amounting to a total of 5,000 euros,” stated the councillor.
Meanwhile, Antonio J. Sánchez Fernández, a conservator-restorer, alongside architect José Yeray Santos Santana, Imesapi, and Cúrcuma, addressed that “the primary damages to the fountain, linked to its functionality and usage, along with the environmental factors surrounding it, have been rectified. A chemical cleaning was performed, leaks, cracks, and fractures from previous repairs were addressed, the basin was made waterproof, water-repellent material was applied to resist water, and the filters and facilities were renewed,” he explained.
The history of the fountain traces back to 1891 when the municipal corporation commissioned different models from Francisco Franchini’s company in Genoa, Italy, to select the most appropriate one for the distinguished square. As the cost of the opulent fountain (11,380 lire) surpassed the City Council’s financial capabilities, contributions from residents, such as dances and raffles, were solicited to fund it.
The installation of the fountain commenced in 1899. It is an architectural marvel crafted by Achille Canessa using Carrara marble, comprising two components: the central pillar and the basin adorned with intricate floral and marine motifs on its three levels.
Weyler Square was inaugurated on May 6, 1883.
