Santa Cruz Masonic Temple Nears Official 'Place of Democratic Memory' Designation
The Masonic Temple of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has entered the final stage of being officially designated as a "Place of Democratic Memory," a move intended to preserve its historical significance and educate the public on the repression of Freemasonry in Spain.
The process to officially designate the Masonic Temple of Santa Cruz de Tenerife as a "Place of Democratic Memory" has entered its final stage, according to the Official State Gazette (BOE). Members of the public and interested groups now have 20 business days to review the file and submit feedback via the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory’s website.
Located on San Lucas Street, the temple is more than just an architectural landmark. Built in the early 20th century by architect Manuel de Cámara y Cruz for the Gran Logia de Añaza, it remains the largest Masonic temple constructed in Spain before the Civil War. While the building has been protected as a Property of Cultural Interest (BIC) since 2007, this new designation will provide additional legal safeguards, building on the provisional registration started in January 2026.
The restoration of the temple, completed last year, cost three million euros and was funded jointly by the State and the Santa Cruz City Council. This project is part of a formal agreement to include the site in Spain’s national network of memorial centers.
Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasized the building's international significance, noting that the city plans to transform it into a specialized museum. By highlighting the temple’s unique Masonic iconography, the city hopes to showcase a cultural asset that is rare on a global scale. The new designation as a Place of Democratic Memory will help preserve the site while establishing it as a center for education about the persecution and repression of Freemasonry in 20th-century Spain.