Walking Tour Vegueta (Old Town Las Palmas)

Exploring the historic Vegueta district in Las Palmas is a captivating journey through time. This walking tour takes visitors on a leisurely stroll along cobblestone streets, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Cathedral of Santa Ana to the charming Canarian houses adorned with decorative balconies, each step unveils the story of this fascinating settlement. With an expert guide leading the way, travelers can explore the intriguing past and uncover the hidden gems that make Vegueta a must-visit destination.

Key Points

• Explore the historical Vegueta neighborhood, founded in 1478, with a walking tour highlighting its cobblestone streets and emblematic Canarian architecture.
• Visit the iconic Cathedral of Santa Ana, a prime example of Canarian architecture with its striking yellow stone façade and intricate carvings.
• Discover traditional Canarian houses with decorative balconies, providing insights into the region’s rich heritage.
• Admire the architectural highlights of the tour, including Plaza del Pilar Nuevo and Plaza de San Antonio.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and receives positive reviews for the guide’s knowledge and the overall value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

The walking tour of Vegueta, the old town in Las Palmas, offers visitors a chance to discover the historical settlement founded in 1478 by Castilian troops.

Explore the historical settlement of Vegueta, Las Palmas, founded in 1478 by Castilian troops, on a walking tour.

Exploring the cobblestone streets, you’ll see emblematic buildings, including the Cathedral of Santa Ana with its significant Canarian architecture.

Admire the traditional Canarian houses with decorative balconies, and learn about Christopher Columbus at the Casa Museo de Colón (not included in the tour).

The tour highlights include Plaza del Pilar Nuevo and Plaza de San Antonio Abad.

Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the stony streets, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Discover the Historical Settlement

When was this historical settlement in Vegueta founded? The town of Vegueta was founded in 1478 by Castilian troops, marking the beginning of a rich and vibrant history.

Visitors can explore this charming old town and discover:

1. Cobblestone streets lined with emblematic buildings

2. The impressive Cathedral of Santa Ana, a prime example of Canarian architecture

3. Traditional Canarian houses adorned with decorative balconies

4. The Casa Museo de Colón, where visitors can learn about the legacy of Christopher Columbus (not included in the tour)

This captivating settlement is currently under submission for UNESCO World Heritage status, showcasing its cultural significance.

Exploring the Cobblestone Streets

What awaits visitors as they explore the cobblestone streets of Vegueta? A journey through time, with every step revealing the rich history and architectural heritage of this charming old town. Visitors can admire the traditional Canarian houses, many adorned with decorative balconies, and marvel at the region’s unique architectural style. The tour also offers a chance to visit the iconic Cathedral of Santa Ana, a significant example of Canarian architecture. To better understand the experience, consider the following table:

| Highlight | Description | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Cobblestone Streets | Winding paths with historical charm | 15-20 minutes |

| Canarian Houses | Traditional homes with decorative balconies | 10-15 minutes |

| Cathedral of Santa Ana | Significant Canarian architectural landmark | 20-25 minutes |

Admiring the Cathedral of Santa Ana

Towering over the historic Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, the Cathedral of Santa Ana commands attention as a centerpiece of Vegueta’s architectural heritage.

This 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance cathedral features:

1. Striking yellow stone façade with intricate carvings and arched entryways.

2. Impressive bell towers that can be seen from throughout the old town.

3. Ornate interior with stunning stained-glass windows and ornamental altars.

4. Rare examples of Canarian woodcarving and detailed religious iconography.

Visitors can explore the cathedral’s peaceful cloisters and learn about its significant role in the history and culture of Las Palmas.

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Traditional Canarian Houses With Decorative Balconies

As you leave the impressive Cathedral of Santa Ana, the charming Canarian houses with their decorative balconies come into view.

These traditional homes, dating back centuries, feature ornate wooden balconies adorned with intricate carvings and wrought-iron railings. The balconies weren’t just decorative – they served practical purposes, providing shade and ventilation.

Visitors can admire the architectural details and imagine the daily life that once took place within these historic structures. The balconies offer a glimpse into the Canarian heritage and the region’s unique building style that has endured through the centuries.

Learning About Christopher Columbus

The walking tour of Vegueta provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the famous explorer Christopher Columbus.

While the tour doesn’t include admission to the Casa Museo de Colón, visitors can explore the surrounding area and gain insights into Columbus’ connection to the Canary Islands.

The key highlights related to Columbus include:

1. The Vegueta neighborhood was an important stopping point for Columbus on his voyages to the Americas.

2. Columbus spent significant time in the Canary Islands before embarking on his famous journeys.

3. Many historic buildings in Vegueta have connections to Columbus and the Age of Discovery.

4. Visitors can learn about the explorer’s legacy and influence in the region.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the walking tour of Vegueta is located near the Guiniguada bus stop, close to Bar Tasca la Picadita. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the stony streets in the historic district.

| Accessibility | Yes | No |

| — | — | — |

| Wheelchair-friendly | ✓ | |

| Stroller-friendly | | ✓ |

| Guide assistance available | ✓ | |

The tour highlights the rich history and architecture of Vegueta, allowing participants to explore the cobblestone streets and see the emblematic buildings of this 15th-century settlement.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overall praised the Vegueta walking tour, rating it 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 137 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the following:

1. Knowledgeable and friendly guide with a 4.4/5 rating.

2. Good value for money, scoring 4.3/5 on that metric.

3. Positive feedback on the guide’s depth of knowledge and ability to engage the group.

4. The tour’s highlights, including the Cathedral of Santa Ana and traditional Canarian houses, were well-received.

The tour is currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status, further underscoring its cultural significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour’s Safety Protocol During COVID-19?

The tour follows local COVID-19 safety guidelines, including required mask-wearing and social distancing. Hand sanitizer is provided, and group sizes are limited to allow for adequate spacing. Flexible cancellation policies are in place.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally permitted to take photos during the walking tour. However, it’s best to check with the guide at the start of the tour for any specific instructions or restrictions regarding photography.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Highlight?

The walking tour typically spends 10-15 minutes at each highlight, allowing guests sufficient time to explore and take photos. The guide provides commentary on the historical significance and architectural features of the landmark sites along the route.

Is Water or Refreshment Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not provide any water or refreshments during the 1-hour walking tour. Guests are responsible for bringing their own water or snacks if they need refreshments. The focus is on the historical exploration of Vegueta’s sights.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Interests?

The tour itinerary appears fixed, but a guide may be able to customize the experience to focus on specific areas or aspects that interest the participants. It’s best to inquire with the tour provider about any customization options.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich history and captivating architecture of Vegueta, the old town of Las Palmas. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with traditional Canarian houses and marvel at the iconic Cathedral of Santa Ana. Gain insights into the cultural heritage of this historic settlement with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. An engaging walking tour that showcases the best of Vegueta’s remarkable past.

You can check availability for your dates here: