Cathedral of the Canary Islands

The Canarian Cathedral (Catedral de Canarias) is known on the islands as the Cathedral of Santa Ana (Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de Canarias). The darkened walls of the medieval stone structure rise above the Plaza Santa Ana in the historic center of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on the island of Gran Canaria.

The monumental Canarian Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in the Canary archipelago and was the first to receive the status of a basilica from the Pope. It houses the episcopal seat of the Canary Islands.

The cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Santa Ana. Its construction began in 1487 at the behest of the Vatican cardinals. The work was delayed due to financial difficulties and political problems, and the construction was repeatedly suspended. The first stage of construction took place in the 15th and 16th centuries, followed by a long pause. Active construction resumed only in 1781. The work continues to this day.

Two types of materials were used for the construction of the cathedral’s walls: blue stone from San Lorenzo and local porous volcanic rock. Several different architectural styles can be seen in the building’s appearance. The exterior architecture, which underwent changes in the later period of construction, is in the classical and Baroque styles. The main façade features three semicircular arched entrances, with the central portal crowned by a large rose window. At the edges of the façade are two high symmetrical towers with semicircular domes, one of which houses the bell tower.

The cathedral is built in the form of a Latin cross with a transept, and a fountain is installed in the inner courtyard. The building has three naves, and the interior of the cathedral is designed in the Late Gothic style. The spacious main nave is separated by a massive colonnade of three-tier ribbed columns supporting semi-arches and ribs.

In total, thirteen chapels were built in the cathedral, covered with cross vaults. The transept is covered with a domed vault, set on a high drum with stained glass windows. The church is adorned with an elegantly decorated organ, decorated with Gothic pinnacles. The instrument has two keyboards; its height is 7 meters, and its width is 5 meters.

The three-tier marble altar is covered in gilding, decorated with figures of saints and relief decor. The main sanctuary of the church, a sculpture of Santa Ana created in 1944 by sculptor José de Armas Medina, crowns the altar composition.

The Cathedral has a Diocesan Museum, which houses other religious valuables, cult objects, tapestries, and paintings. The most valuable of its exhibits is the Banner of Conquest. This banner was embroidered by Queen Isabella herself.