Mata Castle – Museum of the City and the Sea

Exploring Castillo de 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 throughout the centuries.

The fortress was built in 1577 alongside the city walls 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 configuration.

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

The permanent exhibition is organised around four galleries and the cubelo, which is not only the oldest part of the fortress but also the best preserved. Within the walls of Castillo de Mata—declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1949—an intense cultural programme takes place, including exhibitions, talks, concerts, film screenings and theatre performances.

Guided tours:
Reservations by phone(828 90 4511) or e-mail info@castillodemata.es.

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