Plaza de Cairasco

Plaza de Cairasco is one of the most charming squares in the Triana district of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — a compact, pedestrian-only space framed by Canarian architecture and shaded by tall palm trees.

Where does the square's name come from?

The square honors Bartolomé Cairasco de Figueroa, a 16th-century poet, playwright, and musician regarded as one of the founding figures of Canarian literature. His life went well beyond writing: in 1595 he took part in defending Gran Canaria against an attack by the English privateer Francis Drake, and in 1599 he acted as a negotiator during the assault on the island by the Dutch corsair Pieter van der Does. Earlier, in 1591, he had been granted the position of prior of the Cathedral of the Canaries, a post from which he formally retired in 1605. It is this figure the city commemorates in the square that carries his name today.

What stood here before?

The site of today's square once held the Teatro Cairasco, the city's former theatre. After the building was demolished and theatrical activity relocated to a new venue near Tirso de Molina, the city council decided to turn the freed-up land into a recreational space. On the same spot rose the Gabinete Literario, the city's first building purpose-built as an arts center, constructed in the mid-19th century. At the same time the square as it exists today took shape, alongside the neighboring Alameda de Colón, together forming one of the most distinguished corners of the old town.

What will you see there?

Plaza de Cairasco is a traffic-free pedestrian space surrounded by townhouses featuring the wooden balconies typical of Canarian architecture. Café terraces line the square, inviting visitors to sit in the shade of the palm trees over a coffee or a local drink. Right beside it stands the Gabinete Literario, a building that blends a cultural function with a striking façade worth pausing for even from the outside. Small as it is, the square serves as a natural gathering and resting point for both residents and visitors exploring Triana.

How do you get to Plaza de Cairasco?

The square sits at the heart of Triana, one of the oldest and most commercial districts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The easiest way to reach it is on foot — the district is compact and ideal for walking, and the square makes a natural stop along Triana's main shopping street and the surrounding old-town lanes.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to Gran Canaria's mild climate, the square can be visited year-round. Morning and late-afternoon hours, when the sun is less intense, are best for lingering at a café terrace. It also makes a convenient short stop while exploring Triana's nearby monuments and shops.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the square named Cairasco? It honors Bartolomé Cairasco de Figueroa, a 16th-century poet and clergyman considered a key figure in the history of Canarian literature, who was also involved in defending the island against corsair attacks.

What's worth seeing near the square? Right next to it stands the Gabinete Literario, the city's first building designed as an arts center, and next door lies the Alameda de Colón, another notable green space in Triana.

Can you eat or drink at the square? Yes, café terraces surround the square, letting visitors sit under the palm trees for coffee, a snack, or a local drink.

Is the square open to pedestrians without restriction? Yes, Plaza de Cairasco is a car-free pedestrian space, making it a calm resting point in the middle of the busy commercial district of Triana.