Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria

Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria is a community on the Canary island of Gran Canaria. It has 13,811 inhabitants ( 1 January 2013) on an area of ​​42.10 km ².

Santa María de Guía is located in the north of Gran Canaria, just west of Las Palmas. The neighboring municipalities are Moya in the east and Gáldar the south and west.

Population

History

The present city of Santa María de Guía was until 1526 a district of Gáldar in which settled the wealthy families. 1756 was José Luján Pérez, the most important sculptor of the Canary Islands, was born. A famous guest was the French composer Camille Saint- Saëns, who wintered several times in the city.

Economy

In the municipality of Santa María de Guía there are fruit and vegetable plantations, but it will also run livestock. Significant is the dairy industry. A well-known specialty is the queso de flor, find a cheese made ​​from cow's or sheep's milk, thistle flowers for their coagulation using, which gives it a typical bitter taste. Another important sector is the arts and crafts. In the city, the Cuchillos Canarios, the Canarian knives, manufactured, which are characterized by very thin blades and inlaid ornate handles.

Attractions

The city has a historic center, the Gran Canaria is one of the best preserved. He was therefore placed in 1982 under monument protection. The oldest house is the Canarian style in the 16th century Casa de Quintana. Opposite him is originally from the 18th century late Baroque parish church with neoclassical towers, in some sculptures by José Luján Pérez can be found. Also noteworthy is the San Roque Church in the upper part of the old town.

In the vicinity is the Cenobio de Valeron, an archaeological site of the Guanches, the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Gran Canaria. In a semi-circular basalt demolition is a system of about 300 dug into the caves, which served as a granary.

Gallery

Casa de Quintana

San Roque

Cenobio de Valeron