Coviella Mansion

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1907 · Authors: Mariano Estanga

This interesting building, perhaps the best example of the "alambrista" tradition we have in the Canary Islands, was commissioned by Dr Luis González-Coviella Pérez as a residence and clinical practice, located on the outskirts of what was Santa Cruz at the beginning of the 20th century. The doctor himself travelled to Granada with the architect Mariano Estanga to see the Alhambra in person and construct the new building following the guidelines of the Nasrid palace.

The project, dating from 1907, was conceived as a fortified castle atop a promontory and hidden behind battlemented walls, interrupted by open turrets that surrounded a large and pleasant garden. Its façade shows a series of monumental features imitating different works of Spanish Islam. Inside, its longitudinal layout does not prevent the architect from creating a space with a marked Nasrid repertoire, respecting both the sanitary and residential functions of the building.

Today, urban growth has completely transformed its surroundings, but until just thirty years ago the layout as a suburban villa was evident. The house suffered the consequences of abandonment, even risking its survival. It was saved from possible demolition thanks to the efforts of the Las Palmitas Neighbourhood Association. It was restored and currently houses the Municipal Women's Centre.

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