Not La Pinta. Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
In the distance a modern cargo ship decidedly not the Pinta, which together with the Niña and the Santa Maria formed the fleet of Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) on his first voyage to the 'New' World. In 1492, shortly after setting out from Cádiz, the Pinta developed rudder problems which could only be repaired in a harbor. Columbus thus landed his tiny fleet of caravels at Las Palmas. Soon repairs were made and after loading supplies they were on their way to the 'new' continent. It is said that the house in which Columbus resided in Las Palmas was later incorporated into the Governor's palace (see inset) which is now a museum devoted to him and his voyages of discovery. It's located right next to the Cathedral, which was built around 1500 so Columbus wouldn't have seen it.
Building of the Cathedral began in earnest after the defeat of the enemies of Spain who attempted to take Gran Canaria. Famous in those attempts was Dutch admiral Pieter van der Does (1462-1599) whose men took Las Palmas for a few days in July 1499 but were then driven away. Van der Does died of his wounds on the coast of Africa. It was humorous this morning in the botanical garden here to hear a teacher enthusiastically relating that history to his wards. When he announced Van der Does's defeat an applaus and 'olés' rang out.
The view is of the cupola of Santa Ana from one of its towers.
Not La Pinta. Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
In the distance a modern cargo ship decidedly not the Pinta, which together with the Niña and the Santa Maria formed the fleet of Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) on his first voyage to the 'New' World. In 1492, shortly after setting out from Cádiz, the Pinta developed rudder problems which could only be repaired in a harbor. Columbus thus landed his tiny fleet of caravels at Las Palmas. Soon repairs were made and after loading supplies they were on their way to the 'new' continent. It is said that the house in which Columbus resided in Las Palmas was later incorporated into the Governor's palace (see inset) which is now a museum devoted to him and his voyages of discovery. It's located right next to the Cathedral, which was built around 1500 so Columbus wouldn't have seen it.
Building of the Cathedral began in earnest after the defeat of the enemies of Spain who attempted to take Gran Canaria. Famous in those attempts was Dutch admiral Pieter van der Does (1462-1599) whose men took Las Palmas for a few days in July 1499 but were then driven away. Van der Does died of his wounds on the coast of Africa. It was humorous this morning in the botanical garden here to hear a teacher enthusiastically relating that history to his wards. When he announced Van der Does's defeat an applaus and 'olés' rang out.
The view is of the cupola of Santa Ana from one of its towers.