Columbus House (Casa de Colón)
Calle Colón 1, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, 35001
This colonial-style mansion in the heart of Gran Canaria’s Old Town once hosted Christopher Columbus on his way to the Americas. Today, this former governor’s house is a museum dedicated to Columbus’ voyages and the history of the Canary Islands. Kids will enjoy the models of all three of Columbus' ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—and the resident courtyard parrots.
The basics
Walking tours of Gran Canaria’s Old Town often include a visit to the Casa de Colón, as well as other historic attractions like the Plaza San Antonio Abad and the Santa Ana Cathedral. Browse the museum’s extensive pre-Columbian artifacts and Columbus exhibits on your own, or delve deeper into the history of the Canary Islands' relationship with the Americas with a docent-led tour.
Things to know before you go
- The mansion is a must-see for first-time visitors to Las Palmas’ Old Town.
- Admission is free for children under 18 years old and discounted admission is available for students and seniors. Admission is free for all on select Sundays.
- The museum gift shop offers a wide selection of books on the Canary Islands.
- Museum exhibits are wheelchair accessible, but some areas of the museum, including the crypt and the courtyard, are not accessible.
How to get there
Casa de Colón is set in the historic Vegueta district of Gran Canaria’s capital city, Las Palmas, within walking distance of the Museo Canario and the cathedral. The museum is located in a pedestrian area, so the best way to get there is via public bus, taxi, or city sightseeing tour.
When to get there
The museum is open daily, with reduced hours on Sunday. (It's closed on some holidays, so check the schedule before visiting.) The space tends to be busier around noon, so consider visiting earlier or later to avoid the crowds.
The Museo Canario
To learn more about the first peoples who lived on the Canary Islands, visit the nearby Museo Canario. This museum features the largest collection of the Canary Islands’ archaeological artifacts, including mummies, jewelry, tools, pottery, and more. The museum also features models of ancient dwellings and an extensive collection of bones and skulls.
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