Tenerife's Casa de Carta Reopens, Fusing History and Modernity.
The meticulously restored 18th-century Casa de Carta in Valle de Guerra has reopened, inviting visitors to explore its traditional architecture, a new "Threads of Memory" exhibition, and the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of Tenerife.
In the heart of Valle de Guerra, a region known for its historic farmlands, the famous Casa de Carta is reopening its doors. This is more than just a reopening; it's a new beginning. After careful restoration, this beautiful 18th-century mansion, which belonged to Captain Matías Rodríguez Carta since 1726, now has a fresh look. It tells its story in a new way, blending old traditions with modern ideas. The iconic entrance, with its battlements, has been a symbol for generations. Now, it welcomes visitors to a new era, with easier access from the main Tejina-Tacoronte road (TF-16). It invites everyone to rediscover a place vital to Tenerife's identity.
At the heart of this new chapter is an exciting exhibition called "Threads of Memory." This display goes beyond simply showing items in cases. It tells a fresh story that connects the island's textile history with its photographic past. Rather than just being nostalgic, the exhibition explores the true meaning of ARTISANRY, highlighting its artistic importance and its role in society.
The exhibition starts with an old Monteverde family costume, which acts as a guide to explore a world of traditional techniques, tools, and cultural meanings. Through needlework styles unique to the island, such as roseta, drawn thread work, embroidery, and bobbin lace, the exhibition honors the skills passed down through generations. It celebrates the careful and patient work of hands that wove the visual stories of the past. This is a special chance to think about how craftsmanship has changed and how the value of these handmade items evolves throughout their lifespan.
Alongside this new exhibition, Casa de Carta has also preserved and improved its most famous areas. The room dedicated to gofio, an important food for the Canary Islands, is still a must-see. In its restored mills, visitors can learn about the complete process of making this vital food, from planting the grain to producing the toasted flour that has nourished the islands for centuries. This updated space not only displays the machinery and tools but also reminds us of the cleverness and resilience of the Canarian people.
Another highlight on the estate is its huge wine press, made from tea wood. This 18th-century machine was used until well into the 20th century. Seeing it connects you directly to the island's winemaking past, letting you imagine the busy grape harvests and the hard work that turned grapes into wine. Its presence in the museum shows off old engineering and highlights how important grapes were in shaping Tenerife's landscape and society.
The Casa de Carta experience doesn't stop at its stone and wood walls. The estate, covering over 12,000 square meters, is like a living outdoor museum. Its botanical garden and orchards offer a journey through the economic history of the Canary Islands. Here, old crops like sugar cane, cotton, and cochineal grow alongside modern ones like bananas and avocados. Walking along its paths also reveals a water measuring device and a traditional 'Canarian-type' greenhouse – features that help explain the island's rural culture.
The restoration has been a careful balance, modernizing the facilities to make them more accessible and open, while keeping the essence of a grand old house that is, in itself, a showcase of traditional architecture. Its design around the main courtyard, the tea wood details, and the handmade stonework all tell a story of a past era and way of life. As Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo, stated, this reopening shows a commitment to "modernize our museums, connect them more with people, and make them lively, modern, and easy to visit."
Today, Casa de Carta is more than just a place to look at the past; it's a place to engage with it. As José Carlos Acha, Councillor for Culture, Museums, and Sports, noted, it's a museum that encourages visitors to "rediscover the value of our crafts and their history" from a 21st-century perspective.
Open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM, Casa de Carta offers much more than a visit: it's a place to connect with the rich tapestry of our shared memories.