THE SANTA ANA CATHEDRAL LAS PALMAS

A mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and neo-classical styles reflects the fact that, although this cathedral was begun in 1497, it has only recently been completed and cleared of scaffolding. The west front, designed by local architect, Lujan Perez, and completed in the early 19th century, faces the large, palm lined square of Santa Ana and the two groups of bronze dogs which, some feel, gave the island its name. Because of building works, the cathedral is reached through the Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art). Here there is a fine, if limited, collection of polychrome sculpture; otherwise the religious paintings and liturgical objects on display are generally unremarkable. The museum building and courtyard, however, are beautiful, and a real reward in themselves.