CATEDRAL DE SANTA ANA, LAS PALMAS
Dominating the Vegueta skyline, the cathedral’s twin bell towers are the most recognizable landmark of Las Palmas. Construction started just 14 years after the Spanish conquered Gran Canaria, but additions continued to be made late into the 19th century. The result is a microcosm of Canarian architecture: Gothic, Neo-Classical, Renaissance and local styles are all represented. Though this massive edifice differs wildly from the original, remnants of the 15th-century structure are still visible.
NEED TO KNOW
C/Obispo Codina 13 • 928 31 49 89
Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro: C/Espíritu Santo 20; open 10am–4:30pm Mon–Sat • Adm: €3.00
- Find cafés and bars on nearby C/Pelota.
- Entrance to the cathedral is through the Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro on Calle Espíritu Santo. Mass is said two times daily Mon–Fri at 8:30am and 9:30am, once on Sat at 7pm and four times on Sun at 10am, noon, 1pm and 7pm.
Catedral de Santa Ana Floorplan
1. Chapels
You can see the preserved body of Bishop Buenaventura Codina in the Capilla de los Dolores. Of the other ten chapels, the Capilla de San Fernando, with the cathedral’s only Baroque altarpiece, stands out.
2. Ceiling
Admire the intricate Gothic ceiling. High above the altar are wooden statues of the apostles.
Intricate ceiling, Catedral de Santa Ana
3. Patio de los Naranjos
Entered via the Puerta del Aire, this leafy 17th-century courtyard joins the cathedral to the Museum of Sacred Art. Built in a typical Canarian manner, it is overlooked by wooden balconies.
4. Façade
Aping the original Gothic design, the impressive Neo-Classical façade was added in the 19th century. From inside you can clearly see the join between the two.
Neo-Classical façade, Catedral de Santa Ana
5. Tombs
The grand tomb of local politician Fernando de León y Castillo, in the Capilla de Santa Teresa, was built by Miguel de la Torre in 1928. Historian and naturalist José de Viera y Clavijo, one-time archdeacon of Fuerteventura, has a more modest tomb in the Capilla de San José.
6. Square and Statues
Guarding the cathedral and the square in which it stands are eight statues depicting the dogs that supposedly gave the Canary Islands their name. Among the other grand buildings that line the large plaza are the episcopal palace and the old town hall.
One of the statues of the guarding dogs
7. Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro
Adjoining the cathedral is the Museum of Sacred Art, a collection of religious art that includes sculptures, paintings and woodcarvings dating back to the 16th century. Presiding over the Chaplain’s Room is an important Luján Pérez crucifix, which leaves the cathedral once a year to appear in the Easter procession held in the city.
8. Viewing Terrace
Jump into the lift that whizzes you up to the cathedral’s bell tower to enjoy fine views over the old town, commercial district and port. A lively commentary gives a brief history of Las Palmas.
Scenic views from the terrace
9. Sculptures
The cathedral’s most significant sculpture is a Luján Pérez masterpiece, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (“Our Lady of Sorrows”), housed in the chapel of the same name. It accompanies a statue of Christ in the annual Easter parade.
10. Paintings
Baroque paintings by Canarian maestro Juan de Miranda flank the altar. Juan de Roelas’ canvas in the Capilla de Santa Catalina is typical of 17th-century Sevillian art.
JOSÉ LUJÁN PÉREZ
Born in Santa María de Guía, Luján Pérez (1756–1815) was Gran Canaria’s most prolific and respected religious sculptor. Venerated for his ability to create perfectly proportioned figures, he favoured sculptures of Christ or the Virgin Mary. Admire his intricate Baroque carvings in churches across the island, though his finest works are to be seen in its leading places of worship, the cathedral and the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino in Teror.
