Casa de Colón - The house of Columbus

„La Casa de Colón“ – the house of Columbus – is a very special piece of Gran Canary´s history. This house exhibits all the voyages of Columbus. The exposition is divided in 15 sections. You can see portraits, manuscripts, models, sea charts and even the original replica of the discoverer´s cabin. Providing information about the development of Gran Canary, this house unites historical and sociological aspects, especially concerning Las Palmas. Spirituality plays an important role in it.
Furthermore, there is an exposition of devices coming from the cultural part of the Pre-Columbian Latin American region, such as Mexico and Ecuador. There was also a library built regarding the American topic. Moreover, the exhibition includes valuable works of art, inter alia by Malem Guido Reni and Annibale Carraci.
The house of Columbus is settled in the palace of the former governor of Gran Canary which is not far from the cathedral of Las Palmas. Columbus has spent some years in this house to do some repair work and organize provisions before he crossed the Atlantic Ocean to America.
When visiting the museum you should pay attention to the beautiful architectural details of the building. It is definitely worth seeing the entrance, the gothic fountain as well as the speaking parrots in the inner courtyard. Not to forget the wooden balustrades, the carvings and also the paneled ceilings of the exhibition rooms.
The “Casa de Colón” was – by the way – the place of birth of the famous opera singer Alfredo Kraus.