Spending a few days in Las Palmas? Don’t miss one of our favorites: the Casa de Colón Museum. Ideally located in the city’s historic district, it will take you back in time to better understand the context of the conquest of the American continent and its impact on the history of civilizations.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Casa de Colón 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 Casa de Colón worthwhile?
Yes, the Casa de Colón museum is well worth a visit for several reasons:
- Its historical and cultural importance: the museum is dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his voyages. It offers a fascinating insight into the history of the great explorations and their impact.
- Exceptional architecture: The building is a magnificent representation of Canarian colonial architecture, with its verdant patios, carved stone facades and spectacular ceilings.
- The richness of its collections: maps and models, works of art, historical documents, navigational instruments…
In fact, it’s one of our favorite activities in Las Palmas.
What you can see
Monumental entrance in carved stone
The façade of the Casa de Colón Museum is adorned with a magnificent carved stone portal from the Tirma quarry (Gran Canaria). We were intrigued by the 2 lions displaying the coats of arms, seemingly standing guard. The portal is topped on the right by a wooden balcony typical of the town’s historic houses.
Mudejar-style patios
The Casa de Colón is a collection of buildings that did not exist at the time of Christopher Columbus. The Governor’s Palace, where Columbus is thought to have stayed, was demolished to make way for new homes built between the 18th and 20th centuries. Their patios were preserved when the museum was created. There are 4 of them. 3 are accessible to visitors.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- 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 reconstruction of the caravel La Niña
The caravel La Niña was one of the 3 ships with which Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic in 1492. Its life-size replica gave us a better understanding of the sailing conditions aboard these small sailing ships used in the 15th century.
Maps of Columbus’s voyages
Explanatory maps give a better understanding of the 4 voyages made by Columbus to conquer America. Some are very old. We were able to admire a facsimile of the famous “Universalis Cosmographia” map dating from 1507. These rare documents show how the world was seen in Europe during the Renaissance.
Wooden model boats
We really enjoyed seeing the detailed wooden models of the 3 ships used by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas in 1492: the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. These early models, along with the presence of voyage maps, offer a vivid insight into the Colombian adventure.
The Burgos Laws manuscript
We were able to see a facsimile of the precious Burgos Laws manuscript, dating from 1512. These laws were intended to regulate relations between Spanish colonists and the indigenous populations of the New World. They were intended to protect the rights of Native Americans. Unfortunately, they were rarely applied.
The will of Queen Isabel La Catholique
A facsimile of Queen Isabel La Catholique’s will is also on display at the Casa de Colón Museum. It is dated 1504. The Queen recognized the rights of freedom and property of the inhabitants of the Canary Islands and the American continent.
The book of Columbus’s travel accounts
The handwritten copy of Christopher Columbus’s logbook moved us. In it, the great navigator recounts his 4 voyages to the Americas between 1492 and 1504, and bears witness to the discovery of the New World. There are detailed descriptions of the places and people encountered.
Historical paintings of the Spanish Conquest
We explored with great interest the rooms devoted to Spanish paintings relating to the colonization of the Americas. These works, dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, depict the beginnings of the Spanish colonial empire, the role of the Church and the interactions between the conquistadors and the indigenous populations.
The magnificent ceilings of the Casa de Colón
The museum’s ceilings caught our eye, so remarkable are they. This is probably what we liked best about the building. Made up of a clever tangle of carved and/or painted wooden beams, they are typical of 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture.
Miniature representations of the history of Las Palmas
Models of the city of Las Palmas helped us understand its urban evolution over the centuries. We were able to visualize the architectural and urban changes in the capital of the Canary Islands, immersing ourselves in its fascinating history.
The navigational instruments of the great explorers
We also really enjoyed learning about the navigation techniques used by maritime explorers in the days of Christopher Columbus. Astrolabes, compasses and other ancient maps provide an insight into the challenges of transatlantic voyages.
Archaeological remains of a pre-Columbian crypt
Our tour of the museum ended with a visit to the pre-Columbian crypt in the basement. The objects on display bear witness to the funerary practices, beliefs and lifestyles of the people before the arrival of the European conquistadors.
WHERE TO STAY IN Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the old town, surrounded by charming alleyways.
Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana – see photos and availability
On the Playa de las Canteras side, a long sandy beach.
Hotel Maresía Canteras Urban – view photos and availability
Near Playa de la Alcaravaneras, a less touristy area.
Hotel Santa Catalina, historic – see photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Casa de Colón Museum in Las Palmas: how to get there
Where Casa de Colón is located
- In the city of Las Palmas
- In the historic district of Vegueta
- 1min walk from Santa Ana Cathedral
Access by car and parking
There are several parking lots nearby:
- Parking Mercado de Vegueta, opposite the market on the seafront
- Parking Vegueta, the covered parking lot in the historic center
Public transport access
The museum is located in the heart of Las Palmas’ historic Vegueta district. There are numerous bus stops nearby. Find out more here.
You can also take advantage of the hop-on hop-off buses, which pass through the old town!
Access on organized tours
You can discover the riches of the Casa de Colón on a private walking tour of Las Palmas. You can also discover the cathedral and other highlights of the capital with a local guide.
Visiting difficulties
- No particular difficulties on site
- The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility
- There are elevators
- More details here
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
Useful tips for visiting the Casa de Colón museum
Schedules and prices
Schedules:
- Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Closed January 1 and 6, May 1, December 24, 25 and 31
Price: €4
Reduced rates and free admission, see any updates on the official website here
How long
Allow 30min to 1h for the visit, depending on your desire to take breaks to enjoy the superb patios and take photos of the ceilings.
Best moment
A must-see in Las Palmas, the Casa de Colón museum is very popular, with many visitors, especially in summer. We advise you to come as soon as it opens.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for visiting the museum. We began with the areas dedicated to the voyages of Christopher Columbus (ships, maps, documents), before moving on to the more general exhibitions on colonization. We continued with the history of Las Palmas, the navigational instruments and finally the pre-Columbian crypt.
Eating out
Nearby, among our selection in the old town, Restaurant Que Leche, our favorite, offers gourmet fusion cuisine. But if you prefer traditional tapas, we recommend the Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón.
Our article on where to eat in Las Palmas will be available soon.
Hotels
You’re in the heart of Las Palmas. See our best places to stay in Las Palmas.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
