Gran Canaria - Las Palmas Old Town

We are leaving the beach and pool behind for a bus journey to the island capital 'Las Palmas' in Northeastern part of the island. In particular we will be walking around the old town areas of 'Vegueta' and 'Triana'. It's not a bad bus journey actually as mainly 'motorway' and not the constant 'stop/start that seems to induce my travel sickness. The narrow streets of 'Vegueta' are packed full of history. Lots of Andalusian balconies and decorative doorways. A wide range of architectural styles ranging from late Gothic to renaissance. 

Our first port of call was the bustling 'Mercado de Vegueta' or the indoor market. We had been told about the beautiful displays of tropical fruit. With the 31st October looming, some of the stalls had something of a Halloween feel. Lots of locals doing their weekly shop and a great place to start off.  

There were a few free samples of the fruit on offer too. I can report that it did taste as good as it looked! 

 

'Mercado de Vegueta'

Dominating the area are the twin towers of 'Catedral de Santa Ana'. Situated next to the Plaza Mayor of Santa Ana. The structure is considered the most important monument of Canarian religious architecture. Construction on the Cathedral started as soon as the Spanish arrived in 1497. Taking almost 400 years to complete.

Of course I had to pay the 2 Euros to go to the top of one of the Towers. There was  a bit of a queue at the lift, so made the decision to take the steps.... All 273 of them. It is well worth the effort though as the views are superb. 

There are several large ships docked in the Port of La Luz. The exceptional geographic location of the La Luz Port, the Port of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, a bridge between Europe, Africa and America, has made it the most important port precinct in the Mid-Atlantic.

I always love being up high and can just about spot Mrs A sitting down in the Square below. This square is right in the center of Las Palmas. Surrounded by important religious, municipal and judicial buildings and of great ideological importance, its style was copied for similar squares all over Latin America. One of the oldest parts of the city. Statues of Dogs (The Town's heraldic emblem) stand guard at the entrance to the Square

 Vegueta dates back to the 15th Century. It was a settlement with lanes and buildings. These days it seems to be a meeting place for people and Pigeons alike. Now there is just the small matter of negotiating those 273 steps back down.Mt poor old knee isn't going to be happy with me that's for sure!

 

'Casa Colón'

Another must see on this little tour of the Old Town is 'The Casa Colon'. An attractive building with ornate doorways, beautiful latticed balconies, large courtyards and carved wooden ceilings, representing numerous aspects of the island’s architecture. it is claimed that Christopher Columbus stayed there in 1492 while one of his ships was repaired, hence the name Casa de Colón (Columbus House). There is some doubt though as to whether he ever set foot here ?? It is a matter of certainty that it couldn't have been before his first Atlantic crossing. Experts say the only possible date would have been the 25th August 1492. This was when the rudder on his ship 'The Pinta' broke, forcing him to change course.

The Triana district adjoins the Vegueta.This area of the city is famous for its wide range of shops. It keeps the small traditional shops of haberdasheries, bakeries, ice cream shops, shoe shops, fashion stores, etc. along with the new trends in design and fashion.You would probably call it the posh part of Las Palmas I suspect.

In the north of the Triana district you find Las Palmas' most picturesque park, 'Parque San Telmo', which is very handy as it’s here where you’ll find the city’s main underground bus station. Just the ticket, and what we had been looking out for. Well worth a visit!