Catedral de Santa Ana (Cathedral of Saint Anne), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (must see)

The Cathedral of Santa Ana is the main religious landmark of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, located in the historic district of Vegueta. Construction began in 1497, shortly after the Castilian conquest of the island, and continued over several centuries. As a result, the cathedral combines different architectural styles, with a Gothic interior, later Renaissance elements, and a Neoclassical façade. Its long building history reflects the development of the city itself, from an early colonial settlement into one of the most important centers in the Canary Islands.

As you approach the cathedral through Santa Ana Square, the building’s symmetrical façade and twin towers become the main focal point of the area. The wide open square allows you to see the full scale of the structure, with its balanced proportions and clean lines characteristic of Neoclassical design. The cathedral stands alongside important historic buildings, making this square one of the most significant architectural spaces in the city.

Step inside and look along the central nave, where tall, slender stone columns rise upward and support the vaulted ceiling. These columns create a strong vertical effect typical of Gothic architecture, drawing the eye toward the upper parts of the structure. The interior feels open and structured, with light filtering through the space and emphasizing the height and rhythm of the columns. As you move through the cathedral, you can also notice chapels and religious artworks that reflect its role as the main spiritual center of the island.

If you make your way up to the roof terraces and towers, you can see wide views over the historic district of Vegueta and beyond. From this higher vantage point, the layout of the old town becomes clearer, along with the contrast between the historic center and the more modern parts of the city. The cathedral is also linked to the early period of transatlantic exploration, including visits by Christopher Columbus, who stopped in Las Palmas on his voyages. Today, the cathedral remains both an active place of worship and one of the most important historic landmarks on the island.