Nuestra Señora de África Market

La Recova is architecture designed for shopping, conversation and discovering Tenerife’s produce. Nuestra Señora de África Market opened in 1943 when the previous facilities had become too small. Enrique Marrero Regalado designed the building, and Enrique Rumeu de Armas directed construction. Its entrance arch, tower and galleries arranged around courtyards give it an identity extending beyond commerce. Before examining the stalls, notice how the building organises movement and encounters. Fruit, vegetables, fish and cheese tell an everyday story connecting countryside, coastline and island capital. Serrador Bridge, built alongside the market project, strengthened links with the El Cabo district by crossing the Santos ravine. Together, market and bridge explain how food supply and urban growth helped reshape this part of Santa Cruz.