Former General Savings Bank and Monte de Piedad

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1956 · Authors: Domingo Pisaca Burgada

The extension of the axis of Calle del Norte (now Valentín Sanz) due to the layout of the Serrador bridge and the construction of the Nuestra Señora de África market prompted the City Council to create a parcel plan for the area, offering the new plots at public auction. The General Savings Bank chose one that adapted to the new road layout of Ángel Guimerá Street, which connected Bravo Murillo Avenue with Weyler Square, following the city's new general plan.

In 1951, the architect Domingo Pisaca developed a new project for the Savings Bank (he had already designed a building in 1927 for the same entity, which had become too small). This time he designed a building with a much more pompous and spectacular language, in line with the idea of power that banks have always wanted to represent. Thus, we see a façade featuring a giant classical order with Doric pilasters, placing the entrance on the chamfer, with glazed spaces in the intercolumniations and a first attic at the top of the giant order. Inside, there is a large central space that reinforces the monumental character of this type of building.

The building work was completed in 1956, serving as the main headquarters of the Savings Bank for more than thirty years. Later, it was the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Commerce of the Government of the Canary Islands. Currently, it has no known use.

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