To speak about historical Las Palmas means to speak especially about its historical quarters of Vegueta and Triana. So lets us introduce you some of the monuments you definitely shouldn´t miss when visiting our cosmopolitan capital city.
The history of Las Palmas dates back to 1478 when a Spanish conqueror Juan Rejón landed on the island and established a military camp of “Real Las Palmas at the bottom of Guiniguada Valley. Afterwards Pedro de Vera managed to confirm the Spanish dominance over the island in 1483, Vegueta and Triana started to fulfil the administrative and commercial tasks of the archipielago and thanks to its strategic position its port became one of the principal ports in the Atlantic ocean.
Cathedral of Santa Ana – its construction started in the year 1497 and to finish it as we know it today lasted 350 years. It was built by several architects and presents several architectonic styles such as neoclassic fasade with neogothic interior. An interesting collection of liturgical objects can be found in the neighbouring Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art (entrance 3€). An interesting experience is a visit to the tower of the Cathedral fromwhere you will observe great views of the historical city (entrance 1.5€).
House of Christopher Columbus – a yellow building of typical Spanish architecture straight behind the Cathedral presents one of the most known monuments of the city. Being built at the end of the 15th century it used to be a residence of the governor of the island. Thanks to that, Christopher Columbus probably stayed overnight before he set up to discover Americas. That is why the museum house presents a fascinating documentation of his sails. Entrance 4€.
Church of San Antonio Abad – being situated next door to the House of Columbus, it was probably here, in this small church from the end of the 15th century, where Christopher Columbus prayed before he departed to discover America.
Canarian Museum – the main museum of the island that introduces its visitors to the prehispanic Gran Canaria. It hosts and incredible collection of Cro-Magnon skulls, possibly the largest in the world. You will be fascinated by the mummies of the aboriginal people, as well as by the collections of their ceramics, seals, mills and other tools and objects that they used to use in their everyday life. Entrance 4€.
There is much more to see in the medieval Vegueta and Triana. Here you will absorbe the history by all pores and afterwards you can go shopping to the famous street of Calle Mayor de Triana, or try our delicious gastronomy in some of the good local restaurants, especially if you come on Thursdays – the nights of tapas. Lets come and discover it yourself!
