Casa de Colón

Casa de Colón is a striking building with a western façade which can be easily located in the historic centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, more specifically in the district of Vegueta. 

Having been the home of several governors, it was also known as part of the former Governor's House (Casa del Gobernador). However, Casa de Colón is especially popular today for having been the resting and visiting place of Christopher Columbus during his first voyage in 1492. 

Casa de Colón is formed by a museum in its interior, a library and a specialized study center. The museum contains a fascinating collection of historic artifacts, antique maps, navigation instruments and documents connected to Christopher Columbus’ travels and the Age of Discovery. Along the most popular objects, you can find copies of nautical charts, old-age navigation devices, as well as detailed information about the columbine journeys and its impact in worldwide history.
 
One of the most interesting facts you can learn in the museum is the historical connection that can be presumed between Christopher Columbus and the island of Gran Canaria. Despite there being no definitive evidence of Columbus specifically residing in this house, there are records and documents that imply a connection with the island and his possible stay in this residence during his travels to America. This uncertainty has generated a halo of mistery and fascination regarding this place, enticing numerous researchers and curious people alike to enter and explore the building.

Casa de Colón is not just a museum, but also a cultural center which offers educational activities, conferences and temporary expositions regarding the history of the Age of Discovery. Moreover, its gardens and interior yards are a beacon of peace in the middle of the populated city, inviting its visitors to enjoy a moment of tranquility while exploring its historic corners. There’s no doubt that a visit to this incredible building during your stay in Gran Canaria is something nobody should miss.

On the other hand, the library of Casa de Colón was inaugurated in 1998 and is one of the largest archives in Europe for American studies and historical and cultural research on America and the Canary Islands. More than 30,000 copies lie on its innumerable shelves.

The importance of Casa de Colón goes way more than just for its historic value. Its role as a meeting place between cultures, a testimony to maritime expansion and a starting point for voyages that changed the course of history makes it a symbol of global interconnection and cultural exchange, as the island of Gran Canaria has been a staging post for several ships during their voyages to America.

In summary, Casa de Colón in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is way more than a history museum. It’s a place that invoques intrigue of an enigmatic past, which inspires the studies and reflection regarding the impact of exploration travels in the modern times. Its arquitechtonic beauty and its rich history turns it into an essential location for history lovers and travelers who search for a way to drown in the fascinating Age of Discovery.