The island institution will inform this Wednesday, 29 July, at 19:30, in the Plaza de Chipude, about the start of works on this architecturally significant ensemble.
The Cabildo of La Gomera has called on the residents of Chipude to an informational meeting to detail the rehabilitation project of the Casa de Los Ayala, one of the few traditional estates still preserved on the island. The meeting will take place this Wednesday, 29 July, at 19:30, in the Plaza de Chipude.
The president of the Cabildo, Casimiro Curbelo, explained that the aim is to "get to know this project that proposes the recovery of this rural ensemble, which will combine the rehabilitation of recoverable elements with the reconstruction of historical volumes." According to Curbelo, the future Casa Ayala "will function as a cultural facility primarily intended for a museum, exhibitions, and educational activities, positively impacting the socioeconomic fabric of the locality."
The Casa de Los Ayala, along with the Church of La Candelaria, are the two architectural elements of greatest value in the midlands of La Gomera. Its rehabilitation will safeguard this site, which features a structure of a traditional Canarian estate. The main building consists of a central unit of two floors, with masonry walls and a three-pitched Arabic tile roof. It is adjoined by a central courtyard around which four other one-storey modules with a two-pitched roof are distributed.
To the northwest, there is another one-storey unit, also with a two-pitched tile roof, which was presumably used as a stable. The ensemble preserves independent elements such as a threshing floor, a tile oven, and a wine press, reflecting the agricultural past of the estate. The surroundings present a terraced landscape to the east of the building, with abundant vegetation, mainly fruit trees.
The rehabilitation of the Casa de Los Ayala is part of the Cabildo's efforts to preserve the ethnographic heritage of the island. The action includes the consolidation of existing structures and the reconstruction of those parts that have been lost over time, always respecting the original architecture. The project aims to restore the ensemble's function as a living space, now oriented towards culture and education.
The residents of Chipude and the rest of the island are invited to the presentation this Wednesday, where they can learn about the timelines and phases of the work, as well as the impact it will have on the area. The rehabilitation is expected to boost cultural tourism in the midlands and generate new economic opportunities for the locality.
The event is at 19:30 in the Plaza de Chipude, with free entry. The Cabildo recommends attending to resolve doubts and provide suggestions.
