If you’re planning to spend a few days in Las Palmas, we invite you to discover the Vegueta district, in the old town. Here you can visit theSanto Domingo church, in the shadow of its pretty eponymous square.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Santo Domingo Church in Las Palmas.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is a visit to Santo Domingo Church worthwhile?
Yes, the church is well worth a visit. Away from the tourist hustle and bustle of the seafront, it offers a more intimate atmosphere in the heart of the historic Vegueta district. We loved the sobriety of its exterior and, inside, the richness of its religious furnishings.
This is one of our favorite activities in Las Palmas.
What you can see
A volcanic stone gateway from Plaza Santo Domingo
From the pretty Santo Domingo square, we discovered a sober facade with a dark stone portal and bell tower, typical of religious architecture in the Canaries. The simplicity of the exterior contrasts with the richness of the interior.
An explanatory panel on the history of Santo Domingo Church
In the square, an interpretation panel traces the major stages in the church’s construction and its connection with theDominican order. A few elements help to situate the site in the history of the city of Las Palmas.
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- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
The large gilded altarpiece on the high altar
The interior of the church is organized around a large Baroque altarpiece, gleaming with gold. Our eyes were immediately drawn to its chiseled motifs, statues of saints and highly detailed religious scenes.
The starry ceiling in the central nave
When we looked up, we could see the vaulted ceiling painted light blue and dotted with golden stars. This decoration evokes a celestial sky, giving the nave a contemplative dimension.
A monumental organ in the gallery
Once you’re under the stars, don’t forget to turn around: the gallery houses an imposing organ, a testimony to the religious musical tradition. Even if it’s not always in use, its presence structures the space.
Sober display of religious paintings
We also liked the bare walls, which house a number of sacred art paintings. Hung without overloading, they are enhanced by the natural lighting of the stained glass windows.
The carved wooden side altarpieces in the chapels
The side chapels also feature elaborately carved wooden altarpieces. Each one is more elaborate than the last, and has won our admiration.
Two Baroque chairs in carved wood
On either side of the nave, we took a closer look at the two perfectly symmetrical carved wooden pulpits. Their floral and symbolic details testify to the care given to liturgical elements.
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- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
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Santo Domingo church in Las Palmas: how to get there
Where to find Santo Domingo Church
- On Plaza Santo Domingo
- In the Vegueta district
- South of Las Palmas old town
- Not far from the Casa de Colón Museum
Access by car and parking
The area is partially pedestrianized, but parking is available in nearby parking lots such as Parking Vegueta. Beware, the alleys around the church are narrow.
Public transport access
Several bus routes serve the Vegueta district. The “Teatro Pérez Galdós” and “San Telmo” stops are the nearest, just a few minutes’ walk away.
Visiting difficulties
The interior of the church is relatively accessible, but the entrance is via a high step. Staff are not always on hand. The church may be closed outside mass times.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
Santo Domingo church visit: useful tips
Schedules and prices
- Admission is free.
- The church is generally open during mass times.
- It’s best to check the exact times before your visit, or to drop in late morning or early afternoon.
How long
The tour lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your interest in religious art. It can easily be combined with a visit to the rest of the historic district.
Best moment
Mornings or just after lunch are quiet times. The place is rarely crowded, but it’s best to avoid mass times if you’re not coming for the celebration.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for your visit, but we recommend you start with the central nave and the high altarpiece, then take a tour of the side chapels, before finishing with a closer look at the ceiling and organ.
Eating out
Around Vegueta, you’ll find numerous cafés and restaurants. We recommend the Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón, a 7-minute walk away. It’s the ideal tapas bar for a quick bite to eat. You’ll be served tapas boards with a wide range of options: cheese, charcuterie, fish or vegetables. The team is friendly and efficient, and the prices are very reasonable.
Hotels
The Vegueta district doesn’t have many hotels, but they’re easy to find in the surrounding area, especially on Calle Triana. For heritage immersion,Hotel Suites 1478 is an option we liked. Check photos and availability – and book!
Be sure to explore our selection of the best hotels in Las Palmas.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
