How to visit and what to see in Vegueta, historic neighborhood of Las Palmas

When you prepare the visit of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, either during a getaway or on a cruise stopover, you will know that the best-known and most visited place in this city is the Vegueta neighborhood.

Indeed, it is the neighborhood where at the end of the 15th century the germ of what is now the most populated city of the Canary Islands.

Currently, the main focus of tourist attraction in the city of Las Palmas is this historic neighborhood.

Therefore, it will be useful for you to know something about its history, as well as which are the most notable corners of the Vegueta neighborhood.

History of the Vegueta neighborhood in Las Palmas

It was in June 1478 when the Captain Juan Rejón sent by the Castilla's crown, after landing on the island in the area of ​​the current port of light, established a camp at the mouth of the river known as Guiniguada ravine.

With the name of La Real de Las Palmas, the colonization of America caused this camp to become a flourishing city.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Initially it spread through the original area of ​​the Vegueta neighborhood and for the next one neighborhood of Triana located on the other side of the river that ran down the ravine.

The city reached the present day san telmo park, where the wall was built, of which there are still remains in the Mata castle, and where the first port was also opened.

During the 16th and 17th centuries. The population was concentrated in the then walled areas of Vegueta y Triana, and it was not until the 19th century when the city began to extend towards the area of the Islet and the Canteras beach.

As a curiosity I will tell you that now Vegueta y Triana They barely represent 3 percent of the area of ​​the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

In fact, most of the life and commercial activity of the city currently takes place in other areas of Las Palmas, such as the aforementioned Canteras beach or the Santa Catalina square.

What to see when visiting the Vegueta neighborhood

Below I indicate which are the most notable corners of the aforementioned Vegueta neighborhood.

Plaza San Antonio Abad in Las Palmas

The founding nucleus of the city is found in the San Antonio Abad square, and in the hermitage of his name it is said that he prayed Colón during one of his stops in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on his route to America.

A plaque next to the door of the hermitage remembers this historical event.

In a striking red building is one of the exhibition halls of the nearby CAAM Atlantic Center of Modern Art.

Columbus House in Las Palmas

And in front of the hermitage you can already see the great building of the House of Columbus, One essential visits in Vegueta.

Beforehand, it is worth knowing that this is not a house where he really lived. Christopher Columbus, but it is a project launched in 1951 by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria to create museum dedicated to the visits of the famous colonizer.

The current headquarters of the museum occupies a block that brings together four original houses from between the 16th and 18th centuries, one of them the old Governor's House which was visited by Colón during his first trip to America.

As a curiosity, the illustrious Canarian tenor was born and lived in another of the houses. Alfredo Kraus, to whom the city's new auditorium is dedicated.

Inside you will see some typical Canarian patios, as well as Mudejar coffered ceilings on some interior ceilings, and numerous reproductions of documents related to the presence of Colón in Las Palmas.

The Visiting hours of the House of Columbus in Las Palmas They are, Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., and Sundays and holidays, from 10 a.m. to 15 p.m.

Plaza de Santa Ana in Las Palmas

La Santa Ana Square can be considered as the Plaza Mayor of the city since historically government and ecclesiastical buildings have been concentrated there.

Thus, in addition to the St. Anne's Cathedral which has a great presence, in this elongated square and in front of the aforementioned cathedral you can see the Town Hall, main headquarters of Cabildo, the institution that governs the Canary Islands.

Or also the archiepiscopal palace of the 16th century, or the Regent House where the audience was.

Of course, during your visit you will surely be struck by the Santa Ana Dogs, some iron sculptures that represent dogs.

It is said that they were a gift to the city made in 1895 by a son of the British businessman Thomas Miller, resident at the time in Las Palmas.

Cathedral of Santa Ana in Las Palmas

From the 16th century, the building of the cathedral of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria It is the largest on the island; In fact, it is also considered the Canary Islands cathedral.

With a late Gothic style interior, with three large naves, in the cathedral there are also corners of other architectural styles such as baroque or neoclassical.

To access its interior you will pass through a patio of orange trees, and during the visit you can walk through a sacred art museum (entrance price, 3 euros).

You can also climb the towers (entrance, 1,40 euros), from where you will have the best panoramic views of the Vegueta neighborhood.

The Visiting hours of the Cathedral of Saint Anne They are, Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 16,30:10 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 13,30 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.

Plaza and hermitage of the Holy Spirit in Las Palmas

An interesting corner of Vegueta neighborhood that you shouldn't miss is the Holy Spirit Square.

There you will see a 17th century hermitage and some stately buildings.

In the center of the square there is an original Stone fountain, with a cover, something unusual, and you can also see an imposing dragon tree and other tropical plants.

Canary Museum in Las Palmas

If you want to delve into the history of the first settlers of the Canary Islands, you must visit the Canary Museum.

In this institution also based in the Vegueta neighborhood you find the biggest ethnographic collection dedicated to the ancient canarians.

These island settlers had their origins in the Berber peoples of Africa, and arrived about 2.500 years ago.

It seems that they did not have the practice of navigation, so it is thought that they were transferred by other peoples such as the Romans.

On your visit to Canary museum You will be able to see some rooms where hundreds of human skulls are displayed, as well as some mummies.

The Canary Museum visiting hours They are, Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m.

El price of admission general is 4 euros, with a reduced rate for students and pensioners and free access for children up to 12 years old.

Plaza de Santo Domingo in Las Palmas

This beautiful square with leafy trees is another of the beautiful corners of Vegueta.

In the Santo Domingo square, where the church of the same name is located, various popular events are celebrated, such as the Bolero Nights during the festivities that celebrate the founding of the city.

CAAM Atlantic Center of Modern Art in Las Palmas

En Vegueta Not only can you see historical corners, you can also visit the most daring contemporary art.

If you are passionate about this art, or are very curious, the place you should go is to CAAM Atlantic Center of Modern Art, which is how the museum is known where you will find daring artistic exhibitions.

Founded in 1989 and managed by Cabildo of the islands, its main headquarters is located in one of the historic buildings of Vegueta, although its interior has been completely renovated.

The CAAM visiting hours They are, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 21 p.m., and on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m.

La entrance to CAAM It is free to see exhibitions and costs 5 euros to attend a concert.

Vegueta Market in Las Palmas

Founded on 1787, the Vegueta market You find it on the avenue that connects the neighborhoods of Vegueta and Triana, in front of Pérez Galdós Theater.

If you like walking through the markets, above all I want to highlight the fruit shop area where you can see real exhibitions of tropical fruits.