Canarian Craftsmanship Shines in Infrastructure for Papal Visit to Tenerife

The upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Tenerife has brought attention to more than just the event itself; it has highlighted the impressive ability of local Canarian businesses and craftspeople to handle complex projects under tight deadlines. The success of the stages built in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna is not just a credit to architect Alejandro Beautell’s vision, but also to a local supply chain that worked under immense pressure to get the job done.

The designs for the Plaza del Cristo in La Laguna and the port dock in the capital have become a showcase for architecture that favors traditional craftsmanship over mass-produced industrial parts. At the port, the firm Soldavi, led by Aquilino Dorta, successfully installed a 30-ton metal roof with a 28-meter span in just two weeks. Complementing this, cabinetmaker José Daniel Hernández Ruiz, based in Los Realejos, crafted twelve ash wood pieces—including the altar, the ambo, and the papal chair—working in close coordination with the architecture team.

This project highlights the power of collaboration across the islands. It required a massive effort from a wide range of sectors, including logistics, security, and infrastructure, involving the Port Authority, the Cabildo of Tenerife, and various service companies.

Architect Alejandro Beautell’s approach—which emphasizes hand-drawn designs and direct, hands-on supervision—stands in contrast to modern, large-scale construction methods. This focus on craftsmanship and personal oversight allowed the team to quickly solve technical problems on-site and fostered a strong sense of teamwork. Ultimately, the infrastructure built for the Pope’s visit is a testament to the skill of Canarian professionals, whose hard work turned a design concept into a reality capable of hosting a major international event.