Criticism of Heritage Management in La Gomera Over Torre del Conde's State

A local political group questions the inaction of the island's governing body regarding the deterioration of a key historical monument in the capital.

Facade of a traditional Canarian town hall with balcony and iron railings.
IA

Facade of a traditional Canarian town hall with balcony and iron railings.

The political group Iniciativa por La Gomera (IxLG) has questioned the governing group of the Agrupación Socialista Gomera (ASG) in the Cabildo Insular de La Gomera regarding the lack of action for the conservation of the Torre del Conde, a historical monument in the island's capital.

During the ordinary plenary session on April 6, 2026, the political formation expressed its concern about the state of this heritage asset, which, according to their statements, does not receive adequate conservation given its historical and cultural relevance, especially within the architectural environment of San Sebastián de La Gomera.
The group's spokesperson has pointed out that the Torre del Conde has been in a state of neglect for years, particularly its access, and lacks a use consistent with its category. Iniciativa por La Gomera (IxLG) criticizes the absence of an effective policy for the protection of historical heritage by the governing group, as well as a complete lack of ideas to revitalize cultural heritage in the island's capital.

"Iniciativa por La Gomera believes that while initiatives without clear content are announced, first-rate historical buildings like the Torre del Conde continue without adequate conservation and without being opened to the public."

a spokesperson for the group
In this context, the group questions the strategy of the ruling party, led by Casimiro Curbelo, regarding the so-called “Ruta Colombina”. They state that “little or nothing is known about this initiative beyond actions such as the acquisition of furniture for the maritime avenue or the change of signage in some shops”.
As an example of the management, the agreement between the Cabildo and the City Council for the acquisition of furniture for the maritime avenue is mentioned. This agreement, which was noted in the plenary session on April 6, 2026, was signed on March 12, 2026, after a request for cooperation to the city council —also governed by the same party— from January 7, 2025, and was granted by “administrative silence”. For Iniciativa por La Gomera (IxLG), this demonstrates a lack of leadership in public management.
The Gomera group demands urgent action from the Cabildo on this heritage asset, as well as the definition of a comprehensive strategy to guarantee its conservation, public use, and enhancement for citizens.