The Cathedral of Santa Ana: A Gothic Gem in Las Palmas
The Cathedral of Santa Ana
Inside the Cathedral of the Palms
Inside the Cathedral of the Palms, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Ana, has three longitudinal naves. The central nave is wider than the aisles and is lined with thirteen independent chapels. It has a Latin cross plan with a transept and a dome (cimborrio) crowning the crossing. At the end of the nave is the main chapel, which houses the altar and the choir. The choir features neoclassical forms, characteristic of the time when this part of the building was constructed.
Materials and Construction
The primary building material is blue sandstone from San Lorenzo. It was chosen for the arches, ribs, and supports of the roof, along with yellow or gold sandstone brought from the Guanarteme quarry. These stone elements stand out against the white plaster walls. The plaster of the ceilings is thin and made of lightweight, porous volcanic material (pumice). The exterior buttresses do not fully fulfill their function of supporting the outward thrust of the vaults. The walls, made of masonry, have a primary support function and are articulated into two levels with small windows. The openings and windows are designed as simple holes in the wall. Two types of windows are used: overlapping windows on the side walls and arched openings.
Columns and Arches
Two types of columns are used: freestanding columns separating the aisles, and cylindrical columns attached to the walls. The freestanding columns have polygonal bases, fluted shafts, and are vertically divided by attached shafts and moldings. The other group consists of 20 pillars attached to the side walls. They have cruciform capitals and are formed by cylindrical rings. Classical Renaissance pilasters appear inside the naves. The arches and columns of the side chapels are pointed or ogival. The vaults are ribbed. The ceilings are made with vaults in the central nave and domes in the side aisles. There are variations, such as the starry vault covering the Gospel side of the nave and the tiercerons that encircle the dome and vaults.
History of Construction
The idea of building this great religious edifice originated with the creation of the diocese in 1485, with its headquarters in the city of Las Palmas. A new cathedral was needed for this city. The construction of the Cathedral of Santa Ana took place in two main phases, with various artists involved. Diego Montaud and Alonso Pedro de Llerena conceived a Gothic-style cathedral. Construction began with a basilical plan, contrary to the custom of the time, due to the idea of maintaining the existing sanctuary. Later, Juan de Palacios changed the project to create a hall church, with the naves having equal height. The construction foremen, Juan de Barea and Pedro Martín de Narea, completed the Chapel of Santa Teresa in 1781. Work was then paralyzed. In that year, Diego Nicolás Eduardo took charge of the construction, and along with other interventions, he extended the exterior of the dome to the head of the temple. His disciple, José Luján Pérez, resumed work on the facades in 1821 in a neoclassical style. Work was paralyzed again some decades later. In 1974, the Cathedral of Las Palmas was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument.
The Dome and Interior
The dome is spherical, although it appears oval from inside. It has a drum with windows, a dome, and a lantern. It acts as a transition element between the Gothic and neoclassical styles. Decorations are scarce, highlighting the architectural form. There is some sculptural decoration that lines the inside of the dome’s windows. The stained-glass windows highlight the alternation of dark gray arches and smooth white walls and vaults. The internal space has a great homogeneity and is conceived in harmonious proportions. There is no vertical axis or emphasis on height. Through the columns attached to the supports or pillars, the upward movement that culminates in the ribs is highlighted. These ribs open like palm fronds. The absence of an ambulatory is likely due to the desire to respect the tabernacle of the church that existed on the site, as well as economic constraints. Light comes from the windows of the chapels and the wide windows of the dome. The walls are not translucent as in traditional European Gothic architecture. The stained-glass windows create a darker environment inside, coloring the light. The interior of this building is classified as Late Gothic based on its technical features and aesthetic anachronisms. This is one of the characteristics of this style in the Canary Islands. After the conquest of the islands and the arrival of the Castilians, a construction process of buildings in the Western Gothic style began. This style took root in the Canary Islands, and today only isolated remnants of Gothic elements remain. This cathedral is the only representation of Gothic architecture in Las Palmas. It reflects the restrictions of materials and scarce economic resources.