- Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking), professional excursion guide!
- Discover the Old and Historical Quarter of Vegueta!
- Fully narrated, walking excursion!
- Optional additional entrance to the Cathedral of Santa Ana or Columbus House!
Looking for something away from the crowds a small group experience This leisurely guided walking visit to the old town of Las Palmas fits the bill Enjoy a narrated slow-paced walking ... Read More
Looking for something away from the crowds; a small group experience? This leisurely, guided walking visit to the old town of Las Palmas fits the bill. Enjoy a narrated, slow-paced walking excursion and see the best highlights.
You will meet outside of your Las Palmas Gran Canaria cruise terminal to start your slow-paced, walking exploration with your guide. Las Palmas was founded in 1478 as the first settlement of Gran Canaria by Juan Rejon, the head of the Castilian army. Over the years, it expanded and developed into four quarters, one of which is Vegueta (the old town section of Las Palmas). Christopher Columbus visited on his way to America, and a century later Francis Drake attempted to plunder the town. A subsequent raid by the Dutch destroyed parts of the town, but the evidence of its history definitely remains. You will even visit the site where the conquest of the Canary Islands began – the Plaza of San Antonio Abad!
Walk along the picturesque cobblestone Balconies Street, where you will see the first houses of the nobility following the conquest of the islands. At the heart of the quarter, you will see Santa Ana Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church that was the first in the Canaries. Built on the orders of Queen Isabella I among others, construction began in 1500 and took almost 400 years to complete! As a result, a number of architectural styles are evident, including Gothic, Corinthian, Moorish, and Romanesque. The south wing of this magnificent cathedral contains the Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (Sacred Art Museum) with 400 years' worth of valuable artifacts, paintings, and Spanish sculptures. Guests have the option to return and pay for the entrance to the cathedral - 4 euros per person.
Continuing down the Plaza de Santa Ana, you will see the monumental buildings that are representative of the society in Gran Canaria! Your last stop is at one of the most incredible buildings in Las Palmas, the Casa de Colon (Columbus House)! Located in the Plaza de San Antonio Abad, this museum is focused on the history of the Canary Islands and its relationship with America.
The House of the Governor, one of the four houses of the museum, is where Columbus actually visited in 1492 on his way to America. This stunning palace has ornate doorways, latticed balconies, carved wooden ceilings, and large courtyards! It is breathtaking! The museum contains ship models, a replica of one of the cabins on the La Nina, navigational instruments, nautical maps, paintings, and other artifacts from the voyages of Columbus. Guests may also choose to pay for the entrance and browse at their leisure - 4 euros.
At the end of your experience, you will return to your Las Palmas Gran Canaria cruise pier at your leisure.
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