Catedral de Santa Ana stands in Plaza de Santa Ana, in the historic Vegueta quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Its construction stretched across several centuries, leaving a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical details to look for inside and out. Notice the palm-like forms of the interior piers, the stained glass and the lofty vaulted ceiling. The cathedral’s tower adds a view over the old town, harbour and sea; you can reach the lookout by lift or stairs. The nearby square is lined with historic buildings.
A cathedral shaped over centuries
Work on Catedral de Santa Ana began in 1497, and the building took roughly four centuries to complete. That long construction period is visible in its combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical styles. The exterior’s classical columns contrast with the Gothic character of the interior, so take time to look at both before moving on.
The cathedral is also known as Catedral de Canarias. It is in Vegueta, the older quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, facing Plaza de Santa Ana. The square is part of the historic setting: the Bishop’s Palace and the city hall are also located there, among buildings with colourful façades.
Details to look for inside
The interior has a nave and two aisles, with a sanctuary, stained-glass windows and wooden pews. Look up at the vaulted ceiling and at the piers, whose forms evoke palm trees. These architectural details give the interior a distinct character within the cathedral’s mix of styles.
The cathedral complex includes a Museum of Religious Art, with works such as Baroque statues arranged around a cloister. A chapter house is also noted for its sixteenth-century Valencian tile floor and an eighteenth-century polychrome wooden sculpture of the Crucifixion by José Miguel Luján Pérez. Access to individual rooms may depend on arrangements at the cathedral, so ask on arrival if you want to see the chapter house.
The tower and the Vegueta visit
The tower is a useful stop for a wider view of Las Palmas. From above, you can look across the city rooftops, Plaza de Santa Ana and the harbour, with the sea beyond. A lift provides an alternative to the stairs; the stair route is reported as 216 steps.
After the cathedral, continue through Vegueta’s narrow, cobbled streets. The Museo Canario and Casa de Colón are among the nearby cultural stops, and the Vegueta Market is another place to explore in the historic centre. If you visit during a service, move quietly and allow worshippers space. The cathedral’s website is the place to check current visitor arrangements before setting out.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Catedral de Santa Ana?
It is at Plaza Santa Ana, C. Obispo Codina, 13, in the Vegueta quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
How do you get to the cathedral tower?
You can take the lift or climb the stairs. The stair route is reported as 216 steps.
What architectural styles can you see?
The cathedral brings together Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical elements, reflecting its centuries-long construction.
Is there a museum at the cathedral?
Yes. The cathedral complex includes a Museum of Religious Art with works including Baroque statues.
