Templo Mas贸nico (Masonic Temple), Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Masonic Temple is a stunning example of Egyptian Revival architecture. Designed by architect Manuel de C谩mara and Cruz for the A帽aza Lodge, this impressive building was begun in 1900 and fully completed in the 1920s, with intricate detailing by local sculptors like Guzm谩n Compa帽 Zamorano. The grand fa莽ade features colossal palm-capital columns, four enigmatic sphinxes, and a radiant Eye of Providence鈥攕ymbols steeped in Masonic lore and Egyptian iconography.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the temple holds a rich historical narrative. From its origins as the largest Masonic centre in Spain, hosting progressive educational lectures and social activities, the temple underwent a dramatic transformation in 1936 when it was taken over by Franco's regime, repurposed by the Falange, and eventually utilized by the military.
Resting quietly after ceasing operations in 1990, it was eventually acquired by the city in 2001 and declared a Asset of Cultural Interest in 2007. More recently, it has been recognised as a Monument to Historical Memory for persecuted individuals, including Freemasons, under Franco鈥檚 dictatorship.
Today, after a 鈧�3鈥痬illion restoration, the temple is transforming into a museum dedicated to Masonry鈥檚 cultural heritage, promising immersive exhibits on Masonic symbolism, Tenerife鈥檚 intellectual legacy, and the global context of the movement.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the temple holds a rich historical narrative. From its origins as the largest Masonic centre in Spain, hosting progressive educational lectures and social activities, the temple underwent a dramatic transformation in 1936 when it was taken over by Franco's regime, repurposed by the Falange, and eventually utilized by the military.
Resting quietly after ceasing operations in 1990, it was eventually acquired by the city in 2001 and declared a Asset of Cultural Interest in 2007. More recently, it has been recognised as a Monument to Historical Memory for persecuted individuals, including Freemasons, under Franco鈥檚 dictatorship.
Today, after a 鈧�3鈥痬illion restoration, the temple is transforming into a museum dedicated to Masonry鈥檚 cultural heritage, promising immersive exhibits on Masonic symbolism, Tenerife鈥檚 intellectual legacy, and the global context of the movement.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Templo Mas贸nico (Masonic Temple) on Map
Sight Name: Templo Mas贸nico (Masonic Temple)
Sight Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain (See walking tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain (See walking tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Introduction Walking Tour
There is archeological evidence indicating a civilization two thousand years ago in the area where Santa Cruz stands today. The indigenous people were the Guanches. The island of Tenerife was called Anazo. The famous Mummy of San Andres is an excellent silent witness to those long-ago times. Before the Spaniards there were kingdoms.
On the third of May in 1494, Castilian soldiers commanded by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
On the third of May in 1494, Castilian soldiers commanded by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Santa Cruz de Tenerife's Historical Buildings
One has to admit that the Tenerife capital has preserved its historical buildings in great condition. History enthusiasts will find a wealth of sightseeing sites in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, each weaving a unique narrative of the city's cultural legacy.
Among these architectural gems is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a testament to the island's deep-rooted... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Among these architectural gems is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a testament to the island's deep-rooted... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles