Masonic Temple Tenerife

Walking through the narrow streets of San Lucas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife you find the temple, the primer you view on it is strange that you asked that story hidden behind this monumental facade. By collecting information on it turned out to be one of the few buildings built as a Masonic temple in Spain who survived the Franco dictatorship and which survives today. He was regarded as one of the leading Masonic temples first Spain and Canary Islands.

The temple was built between 1899 and 1902, according to project architect Manuel Municipal Chamber, whose funding was provided by the Lodge Añaza. The original construction budget was 15.000 pesetas, not including the front fence or enclosure, eventually rose to the work 20.008 pesetas, spread over two hundred shares.
The building was used as a free school, School called Añaza, which was funded by the lodge. It was finally ceded to the City for the price of one peseta, with the condition that it was kept as a training center for free.

The building is recessed with respect to the surrounding, contains a strong Egyptian symbolism inspired mainly (reflecting the importance that during the late nineteenth century gave the Egyptian symbology). The facade is divided into three; The system features two huge columns embedded, with smooth wood and palm leaf capitals (palmiformes), holding a large triangular pediment,in this one is an eye with radiant rays (the all-seeing eye) on behalf of the Supreme Being, Great Architect of the Universe according to Masonic symbolism .
Flanking each column, are two sphinxes (four total) that were made by the sculptor Guzman Compaña Zamorano (1878-1944). The front door is carved wood with geometric, thereon, the lintel is decorated with palm leaves and a sun with wings of an eagle, Horus symbol.

Once entered the building leads to a hallway. which leads to “room taken”, This space is preserved mosaic floor, embossed columns, and high space presiding the living. However, ceiling frescoes have been repainted in white wooden structure covered by an aluminum ceiling

In the sub-soil is a Chamber of Reflections, done in a natural volcanic tube.

On the second floor is the banquet hall with large windows to the front,the auditorium being social . In the last level there were rooms.
The day 18 July 1936 military rebellion took place would start civil war and Franco, the same day the rebel troops entered the temple and confiscated all property and records. shortly after, became the Military Pharmacy store, activity which he combined later with optics for the Army, while the top was fitted as a barracks for soldiers until 1990 remain closed to date.
Finally, the State sold the building to the City of Santa Cruz in the year 2001 more than 470.000 euros.
The temple has been declared a Cultural Monument in the category of the Canary Islands Government approved by the Governing Council.
It's a shame that a building that is part of the history of the city is in a state of semi-ruin, so its restoration and conservation consider it necessary .