Mercado Nuestra Señora de África (La Recova)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Squares, streets & markets · Year: 1943 · Authors: José Enrique Marrero Regalado

The construction of a new market in Santa Cruz to replace the old recova was something the city had demanded since the early 20th century but was delayed due to lack of funds.

Finally, the plans for the new recova were drawn up in 1942 by the Tenerife architect José Enrique Marrero Regalado. It was the first building to be constructed on the initiative of the Canary Islands Economic Command, under Captain General Ricardo Serrador.

Its location was at what were then the beginnings of the city's urban expansion, at the other end of the Santos ravine, at the end of the bridge also designed at that time as an extension of Calle del Norte or Valentín Sanz. The building's concept is a continuation of this axis that seems to enter the immense entrance arch, whose tower appears to attract buyers like a bell tower.

The recova has three courtyards inside: a larger central one and two smaller side ones, originally intended for fish and meat. The communication between these three spaces is established by covered corridors with vaults, arcades and pillars. The second floor is for offices and storage, whose façades, both interior and exterior, windows and balconies respectively, are decorated with Andalusian-inspired grilles. 

The overall appearance is that of a miniature Canarian village that displays and supplies mostly "local" products.

The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África was completed in November 1943 and was named in memory of the feast day of General Serrador's wife, a great promoter of this important work.

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