Castle of Mata – Museum of the City and the Sea

Exploring the Castle of Mata, now transformed into the Museum of the City and the Sea, means delving into the history of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and its close relationship with the sea over the centuries.

It was built in 1577 next to the city wall to defend the city from foreign invaders. After the first attack by Dutch troops commanded by Van der Does in 1599, it was rebuilt and, over the centuries, evolved to adapt to different historical periods. Its military use until 1997 shaped its current layout.

The discovery of the cubelo or casemate of the original castle during an archaeological intervention commissioned in 2002 by the Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria marked a major historical milestone. The building later underwent an extensive restoration, completed in 2013 under the direction of architect Ricardo Montesdeoca, and in 2015 it opened to the public as a museum.

The permanent exhibition is organised around four galleries and the cubelo, which, in addition to being the oldest space in the fortress, is also the best preserved. Within the walls of the Castle of Mata — declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1949 — an intense cultural programme takes place, including exhibitions, talks, concerts, cinema and theatre.

Guided tours:
By prior reservation by phone (828 90 4511) or email info@castillodemata.es.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 14:00.
Saturdays and the first Sunday of the month: 11:00 to 14:00.