Masonic Temple (Añaza Lodge)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1904 · Authors: Manuel de Cámara

The influence of Freemasonry in the Canary Islands, and specifically in Tenerife, during the 19th century is indisputable, as demonstrated by the active presence of lodges, publications and societies, especially in the last quarter of the century. In Santa Cruz many of the best-known members of the professional and commercial bourgeoisie belonged to or sympathised with the principles inspiring these associations and participated in them as naturally as they did in the literary or recreational societies of the time.

As a consequence of this Masonic fervour, this temple was built in 1904, at the initiative of the Añaza Lodge, following plans drawn up in 1900 by the architect Manuel de Cámara. 

The façade, which was not fully clad until 1921, is an authentic compendium of Masonic symbolism. It was modified at the last minute from Cámara's project by the then municipal architect Otilio Arroyo Herrera, with the sculptural and ornamental elements entrusted to the sculptor Guzmán Compañ Zamorano, both from Tenerife and members of the same Añaza Lodge. It combines classical layout with the shaping of its components, imitating Egyptian forms. This is confirmed by the giant order columns with palmiform capitals and the sphinxes guarding the door, among other elements.

The interior corresponds to the typology of a temple, where the vestibule leads to the Tenidas room, whose ceiling was originally decorated with allegorical frescoes relating to day and night (the eternal Masonic dichotomy of light and darkness, symbols of good and evil), a banquet hall on the second floor and the underground Chamber of Reflections, made in an artificial cave, where new members were taken before initiation.

In 1936, with Freemasonry suppressed and condemned by Franco's regime, the building was confiscated and handed over to the Falange, which opened it to the public for a time for an entrance fee. Later it passed into the hands of the Army and housed the Optics and the Military Pharmacy Depot. Today it is owned by the City Council, which began a complete rehabilitation of the building in 2022 to convert it into an interpretation centre and museum dedicated to Freemasonry.

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