The Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture has approved the granting of a direct subsidy to the Diocese of the Canary Islands for the sum of 149,000 euros for the consolidation and conservation of the facade of the Casa del Cura, located in La Caleta de Famara in Teguise. With this action, the Government takes the first step to recover one of Lanzarote's most unique properties, recognized as the only example of modernist architecture on the island.
The current state of the building requires urgent intervention due to the progressive deterioration of its facade, mainly caused not only by its proximity to the sea but also by decades of neglect. The intervention is being carried out for reasons of general interest to prevent the irreversible loss of the identity of the cultural landscape of La Caleta de Famara.
The project, promoted by the Diocese of the Canary Islands as the owner of the property, seeks to guarantee the preservation of the architectural and heritage values of this unique building through a rehabilitation that is respectful of the original work built in the first half of the 20th century according to the instructions of the illustrious patron Luis Ramírez.
The Minister of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture, Migdalia Machín, emphasizes that this initiative responds to "a historic social demand." In this regard, she highlights "the commitment shown by the residents," whose perseverance she considers "an example in the defense of cultural heritage." This course of action is part of the public policies of the Government of the Canary Islands, aimed at "promoting projects for the recovery, conservation, and dissemination of the material and immaterial heritage of the archipelago" through active listening to citizens and institutions.
The mayor of Teguise, Olivia Duque, highly values the involvement of the Government of the Canary Islands in the rehabilitation of this property, which "is part of the collective memory of Teguise and the historical landscape of La Caleta de Famara, so this intervention represents a decisive step in preserving our identity and our architectural heritage." She added that "it is essential that administrations walk together to protect our cultural legacy."
Priest's House
Also known as El Hotelito or the Modernist House of La Caleta, the Casa del Cura was built in 1933 at the request of philanthropist Luis Ramírez (1884-1950) as his summer residence. The two-story building stands out for its strong Catalan Art Nouveau influence, with undulating lines, hydraulic floors, and a facade decorated with reliefs of marine inspiration such as sea snails, shells, or octopuses, among other characteristic elements of the modernist movement.
In his will, Ramírez bequeathed the property to the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe parish in Teguise, making it the property of the Diocese of the Canary Islands. Currently, the Casa del Cura has become a symbol of Famara's urban front, although for decades it has remained practically abandoned and without maintenance.
This first intervention on the building's facade is part of the Canary Islands Government's commitment to the recovery and dissemination of the archipelago's historical and artistic legacy, in compliance with the principles and objectives established in Law 11/2019, of April 25, on Cultural Heritage of the Canary Islands.
