Catedral de Santa Ana

The basics

The cathedral’s mix of Gothic, Neoclassical, and Baroque architecture continues to fascinate travelers from all over the world. You can appreciate the structure’s beauty during a walking or biking tour of Las Palmas, but you may want to set aside some extra time to go back and explore the cathedral properly. Inside, you’ll find pillars and vaulted ceilings shaped like palm trees—a nod to the tropical plants of the island—as well as a museum dedicated to sacred and religious art. Be sure to take the elevator up to the south tower to enjoy views of the ocean and city skyline.

Things to know before you go

• The cathedral is suitable for all ages and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

• Respectful clothing is necessary to enter—there is a strict no bathing suits policy.

• There are both stairs and an elevator to reach the top of the south tower.

• Entry costs €3 per person, and a trip up the tower will cost around €1.50 extra.

How to get there

The Catedral de Santa Ana is very easy to find. It’s on the Plaza Santa Ana, where there are many bars and cafés, as well as highly-rated restaurants. There are local cabs to take you there if you don’t want to walk, but if you do, the quaint streets and alleyways of Las Palmas are well worth wandering through.

When to get there

Opening times vary between weekends and midweek, so be sure to double check before setting off. The cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 1.30pm on Saturdays. It’s closed to tourists on Sundays for mass and services.

Discover the history of the Canaries

In Las Palmas de Canarias there are plenty of ways to find out more about the history and culture of the Canary Islands. Start at the Plaza Santa Ana and take in your surroundings, then visit the Cathedral for an in-depth look at one of the most important churches in the Canary Islands. Then, head to the Museo Canario to learn about what life was like before and during Spanish colonization.