Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1904-1927 · Authors: Mariano Estanga

This imposing building houses the main headquarters of "El Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero", one of the main cultural and recreational societies of Santa Cruz. This institution originally arose from the union of two distinct already existing societies: on one hand, "La Aurora"; and on the other, the one known as "El Recreo", both founded in 1855. The merger took place in 1868, with the new resulting society being called "Círculo de Amistad". Its headquarters were in premises located in the Plaza de la Iglesia, until in 1892 a great fire ruined the facility. Therefore, they moved to a house on San Felipe Neri street (today Emilio Calzadilla), where, in 1903, they merged again with a new group from the Toscal neighbourhood called "XII de Enero", so from that moment it adopted the name by which it is known today.

The plans of the building we see today were the work of architect Mariano Estanga and were exhibited to the public in December 1904, with work beginning in July of the following year. The works were prolonged over time and the building ended up being configured in successive phases: in 1919 the main hall; in 1924, the façade; and in 1927, the main courtyard covered by an iron and glass structure.

Its façade is one of the clearest examples of the repertoire of French eclecticism of the Second Empire: candelabra, caryatids, telamons, etc. In 1908, Teodomiro Robayna took charge of the sculptural programme but, given the scope of the work, he was assisted by Eduardo Tarquis. Inside, the building has been remodelled over the years. In addition to the splendid imperial staircase of Carrara marble, the former factory had an Arab-style decorated hall.

From the beginning, the Society was concerned with providing its members with a select environment in the field of culture and leisure. From its origins it had a library, conference room and ballroom, being one of the most active societies in the city.

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