Nestled in Vegueta’s labyrinthine streets at Calle Colón 1, Casa de Colón (“Columbus House”) stands as both a historical landmark and cultural museum, ranked fourth among Gran Canaria’s attractions on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor. Though its present form dates to the late 15th century, the building was ceremonially inaugurated as a museum in 1951 to celebrate the islands’ pivotal role in transatlantic exploration Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre.
The museum’s permanent itinerary is spread across two central patios and thirteen exhibition rooms, each meticulously restored to showcase original Gothic and Renaissance elements—such as the Mudejar-style coffered ceilings and the ornate stone well in the main courtyard, salvaged from the destroyed Santo Domingo convent Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre. Exhibits include:
- “Columbus and His Voyages” room, featuring period maps, navigational instruments, and a replica of the Admiral’s cabin—offering a visceral sense of life aboard a 15th century caravel.
- “Canary Islands as a Springboard” section, which delves into the strategic importance of the archipelago’s harbours, documented through ancient charts and ship models.
- Pre-Columbian America gallery, housing authentic amerindian pottery, zoomorphic figurines, and ethnographic panels that evoke the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre.
The museum also maintains a specialised library of some 25,000 volumes on Canary-American relations, and hosts a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions, seminars, and guided workshops Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, it’s an excellent complement to a morning spent exploring Vegueta’s plazas and cafés Hola Islas Canarias.
Visitor insights:
- Entry is free for EU citizens on Sundays after 14:00; otherwise tickets are around €5.
- Audio guides in English and Dutch are available for a small supplement and greatly enrich the narrative.
- The museum shop stocks quality reproductions of nautical charts and locally made crafts—ideal for unique souvenirs.