Casa Manrique de Lara y del Castillo

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1884 · Authors: Francisco de la Torre

This impressive three-storey building occupies an important urban space. Its main façades border Espíritu Santo Street, Obispo Codina Street and Santa Ana Square. The large plot was once occupied by an old 16th-century house, residence of the chief ensign of Gran Canaria; later it became the property of Diego del Castillo Bethencourt and later still of Luisa Manrique de Lara y del Castillo.

The building we see today was erected in 1884. The plans were examined by the master builder Francisco de la Torre, following the urban planning guidelines for the area carried out by Domingo Garayzábal.

On the façade facing Obispo Codina Street we find volcanic stone finishes on the upper floor openings, alternating between pediments and dripstones. On the shorter but much more important façade facing Santa Ana Square, the message is more direct, with the inclusion in the parapet of the family coat of arms, perfectly highlighted by the projection of ashlar mouldings resembling a truncated pediment. The wrought iron work of the balconies and other railings also stands out.

The building is marked by its classicist elegance and order in composition.

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