Mata Castle is the result of the various buildings constructed over the course of more than four centuries around the original defences, put up in the last third of the sixteenth century..

The initial design of the fortress was drawn up by the engineer Juan Alonso Rubián and its construction culminated in 1577, when Diego de Melgarejo was governor. After the first attack by the troops under the command of Van der Does, in 1599, the defences were rebuilt and have subsequently evolved to adapt to the various historical circumstances. Its military use until 1997 determined its configuration.

The discovery of the original cubelo (bastion) during the archaeological intervention commissioned by the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2002 was a historical milestone for the city. Since then, Mata Castle has undergone a thorough restoration, led by the architect Ricardo Montesdeoca, completed in 2013. In 1949 it was declared an Artistic Historical Monument.

OPENING HOURS (Admission free):

• Monday to Friday: 10 am to 2 pm.
• Thursday, 5 pm to 8 pm.
• Saturdays and the first Sunday of the month: 11 am to 2 pm.