Iglesia de Santo Domingo (Church of Santo Domingo), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Church of Santo Domingo, originally forming part of the Dominican convent, is dedicated to San Pedro Mártir. Founded in 1522 by the conquistador Pedro de Vera, this venerable institution played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. While much of the original convent has been lost to time, the Church of Santo Domingo endures as a striking example of Gran Canarian Baroque architecture, largely unchanged over the past two centuries.

Upon approaching the church, visitors are greeted by a magnificent Baroque façade, carved from blue stone in 1786 and adorned with intricate pilasters. Emblems and sculptures of the Virgin of the Rosary, emblematic of the Dominican order, further embellish the exterior, offering a glimpse into the church's rich spiritual heritage. Stepping inside, visitors are enveloped in the church's serene ambiance, characterized by its spacious three-nave layout and elegant blue stone flooring, which bears sepulchral slabs honoring prominent figures from the island's history.

One of the most remarkable features of the Church of Santo Domingo is its exquisite altarpiece, crafted by master Antonio Almeida in the 18th century. This masterpiece, adorned with gilded and polychromed wood, captivates with its intricate detailing and breathtaking sculptural elements. At the center of the altarpiece stands a majestic baldachin, sculpted by Antonio de Ortega in the Salomonic order, showcasing a poignant depiction of Santo Domingo embracing San Francisco de Asís. Flanking the central composition are high reliefs representing San Fernando and San Luis, while scalloped niches below house images of the Dominican order's founder and San Pedro Mártir, patron saint of the vanished convent.