The municipality of Teror inaugurates a new cultural space: the former Santiago Marrero mill, located next to the Barranco del Álamo. Following its renovation, the site has been launched as an artistic residence named ‘El Molino’. The project, driven by Aralia Loiterstein Lorente, a local resident, aims to provide a serene environment for painters, writers, photographers, and musicians to develop their creative projects.
This mill, operational until the 1960s, was a significant meeting point for residents of several nearby hamlets who came to grind corn (mill). The estate, which passed to Aralia's grandparents, had been unused for years before the family decided to bring it back to life in 2015. The restoration process involved extensive cleaning and the rehabilitation of the house and its three rooms, each named in honor of its past: 'Gofio', the brightest; 'Millo', located in the miller's former dwelling; and 'Piedra', in the cereal toasting area.
“"Around a table is where people relax, break the ice, and things start to happen."
Loiterstein's vision extends beyond that of a conventional rural house. The heart of ‘El Molino’ lies in its communal spaces, such as the porch and the living room with a fireplace, designed to foster interaction and relaxation through activities like board games or listening to music. The idea of creating an artistic residence emerged after learning about similar models in Europe and other parts of Spain, and was solidified by her own experience as a resident artist in Teruel.
Inspired by the mill's original function of grinding corn, Aralia now conceives the space as a place to 'grind the head' (moler la cabeza), a refuge for creative individuals to pause, organize their thoughts, and advance their projects. ‘El Molino’ is now part of Res Artis, an international network of creative residencies, offering stays tailored to different needs and rates, including options for Canary Islanders and young local artists.
The project also includes activities open to the community, such as a recent seminar in collaboration with the Teror City Council, and future cultural proposals like workshops and literary gatherings. The space's philosophy is based on environmental sustainability, using recycled furniture or pieces from local artisans and collecting rainwater, reflecting Loiterstein's conviction that culture can flourish in the midlands, not just in the capital.
