6.-+Vegueta

=**VEGUETA **= media type="file" key="grabacion esther.mp3" width="240" height="20"


 * Vegueta, Las Palmas oldtown ** offers variety and a unique location, it is well-preserved and one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Located in the south of the urban area it is today one of the town’s economic, social and tourist centers. The most famous Las Palmas monuments, architectural attractions and sightseeing places are in Vegueta

Among these are **Cathedral Santa Ana**, is a must see in Las Palmas as there is a fantastic panoramic view of the city from the Cathedral. And of course the Cathedral itself is impressive. Construction of the Cathedral began around 1500 but was stopped 70 years later because there was no money. As it was built over a long period its exterior is neoclassicism and its interior is late Gothic.

Opposite the Cathedral is the lovely square **Plaza de Santa Ana**. This square is right in the centre of Las Palmas. Surrounded by important religious, municipal and judicial buildings and of great ideological importance, its style was copied for similar squares all over Latin America. Its construction dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. Its entrance is guarded by bronze statues of dogs.

Next to the Cathedral is **Casa de Colon (The house of Columbus).** It is a fascinating museum celebrating the role of Gran Canaria in the discovery of the New World. Despite the name, Columbus only stayed there on visiting the island, it was in fact the residence of the Governor of the island. Interesting and unique architecture plus good exhibits, representing the civilisations encountered in the New World.

Since its inauguration in 1989 the **Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM)** has become a major reference in the cultural and educational life of the islanders. Concealed behind a traditional façade, formerly belonging to a hotel, this centre is definitely worth visiting especially because of its spectacular interior design with white walls, marble stairs and acres of glass.

Not very far from the **CAAM** is the **Museo Canario** that houses the Canary Islands’ largest collection of pre-Hispanic objects from the period of 500 B.C. until the 15th century. There is a permanent exhibition with statuettes of gods, jewellery, pottery, tools, mummies, skeletons and many other artefacts related to the life of the Guanches, the aborigines of the Canaries. The displays also include scale models of Guanche "houses" and a replica of the Cueva Pintada at **Gáldar**

Just around the corner from the Museo Canario is the well-worth-a-visit **Plaza del Espírito Santo** (Square of the Holy Spirit), a charming square with an impressive monumental fountain located in its centre, surrounded by a number of stately historical houses and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.

NOW CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING DOING THE EXERCISE BELOW.

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