Exploring Gran Canaria 

Historical Background

• Foundation of Las Palmas: The history of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria began on June 24, 1478, when Juan Rejón founded the city at the Real de Las Palmas, near the Barranco Guiniguada. This small military camp grew into the Vegueta district, with the Casa de los Gobernadores at its core, which today stands as Casa de Colón.

• Cristóbal Colón's Visit: In 1492, Columbus stopped in Gran Canaria to repair a ship during his voyage to the New World. This event inspired the establishment of the Casa de Colón Museum by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria in the late 1940s.

Development of the Museum

• Establishment: The museum was officially inaugurated in 1951, although full completion didn't occur until 1954. The restoration was managed by architect Secundino Zuazo Ugalde with advice from historian Antonio Rumeu, Néstor Álamo, and artist Santiago Santana. The establishment aimed at creating a high-culture institution for Gran Canaria.

Architectural Highlights

• Building and Expansion: The Casa de Colón spans approximately 4,200 m², including permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, and four distinctive patios reflecting the traditional Canarian architecture influenced by Roman and Arabic styles.

Facades

• Santa Gadea Mansel: This facade, from the early 16th century, features a late Gothic style with unique regional interpretations.

• Plazoleta de Los Álamos: Structured in yellow stone from Teror, this facade, designed by Santiago Santana in the 1950s, is gothic-inspired and includes 18th-century wooden balconies and symbolic heraldic elements.

• Plaza del Pilar Nuevo: The most prominent facade was designed by Santiago Santana and Néstor Álamo. Made from green stone from Tirma, it features 18th-century balconies, Gothic decorations, and heraldic shields of Juan Rejón and Bishop Frías.

Patios

• Patio de Armas: This traditional Canarian patio serves as a central hub for surrounding rooms, influenced by southern Spanish Roman and Arabic designs.

• Patio del Pozo: Known for its Gothic wellhead, this patio has Renaissance archways from the now-destroyed Santo Domingo Convent.

• Patio de la Universidad: Named after the University International Pérez Galdós, this patio features stone columns from Arucas and wooden railings and beams.

• Patio de los Hidalgo: One of the least altered spaces, this intimate patio built in the 18th century features Canarian pine wood and unique Salomonic columns.

Visiting Information

La Casa de Colón

E-mail: casacolon@grancanaria.com
Web: www.casadecolon.com
Telefon: 0034 928 312 373
Fax: 0034 928 331 156
Adresse: C/. Colón, 1
Ort: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
PLZ: 35001