Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Sculpture, Square and Statue in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas Spain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas Spain
CC BY-SA 2.0 / hh oldman

The Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana is a set of eight dog statues positioned in Plaza de Santa Ana, right in front of the Cathedral of Santa Ana in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It's one of those landmarks you'll likely bump into naturally while exploring Vegueta, and it's become a favorite photo stop for visitors.

Because the sculptures sit in an open public square, the experience is simple and flexible: arrive any time, take a closer look at each dog’s pose and expression, and then continue on to the cathedral, surrounding historic buildings, and the old-town streets nearby.

History and Significance of the Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana

The dogs in Plaza de Santa Ana have become an unofficial emblem of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. While they're not an ancient monument, their prominent placement in front of the cathedral and their instantly recognizable silhouettes have helped turn them into a modern symbol of the city.

The name and identity of Gran Canaria is often linked in popular storytelling to dogs (canes), and the statues play into that association in a way that’s easy to understand even without deep context. Over time, the sculptures have shifted from being a decorative element of the square to a must-see stop on most first-time itineraries.

Their real significance today is how they anchor the plaza as a meeting point: locals use the square as a social hub, and travelers use the dogs as a visual “you are here” marker for exploring Vegueta’s historic core.

Things to See and Do in the Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana

Start by walking around all eight sculptures rather than snapping a single quick photo from the front. Each dog has a different posture and expression, and the best angles change depending on where you stand in the plaza and how the cathedral frames the background.

Use the stop as a springboard for the rest of Plaza de Santa Ana: admire the cathedral façade, look at the surrounding historic architecture, and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the city's most important civic spaces. If you're planning to visit the cathedral interior or rooftop/terrace experience, the dogs make a natural “before or after” moment.

If you like slow travel, come twice: once in the morning for cleaner light and fewer people, and again at dusk when the square feels more theatrical and the cathedral backdrop becomes especially striking.

How to Get to the Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana

The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), with frequent connections to mainland Spain and other European cities; from the airport you can reach Las Palmas de Gran Canaria by taxi, rideshare, or bus. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Booking.com.

Gran Canaria does not have an intercity passenger rail network, so there's no practical train route into Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; plan to arrive by plane or ferry and then use local buses or taxis to get around. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're traveling by car, set your destination to Vegueta/Plaza de Santa Ana and use nearby public parking, then continue on foot through the old town's walkable streets. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Best time to visit: Early morning for photos with fewer people, or late afternoon for warmer light on the cathedral backdrop.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes for photos and a quick look; longer if you’re combining it with the cathedral and a Vegueta walk.
  • Accessibility: The plaza is generally flat and easy to navigate, though surfaces can be uneven in places typical of historic squares.
  • Facilities: No dedicated facilities at the sculptures themselves, but you’ll find cafés, restrooms, and services nearby in Vegueta.

Where to Stay Close to the Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana

Base yourself in Vegueta/Triana for the most walkable access to historic sights, museums, and classic old-town dining.

Boutique Hotel Cordial La Peregrina A stylish boutique option close to the old town, great if you want a quieter base with character and easy walks to Plaza de Santa Ana.

Hotel Parque A practical, well-located choice near transport links, useful if you’re balancing sightseeing in Vegueta with day trips around the island.

AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas A reliable mid-to-upscale stay with a more businesslike feel, good for comfort and amenities while still being a short ride from the historic center.

Sercotel Hotel Cristina A beachfront hotel by Las Canteras that suits travelers who want city sightseeing by day and sea views plus promenade life in the evenings.

Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel A classic splurge pick with heritage atmosphere, ideal if you want a landmark hotel experience and don’t mind using taxis/buses to reach Vegueta.

Is the Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana Worth Visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting because it’s iconic, central, and genuinely fun: a quick stop that adds personality to your walk through Vegueta, with the cathedral providing a dramatic backdrop. It’s also one of those places that helps you “place” the city in your memory, especially if you’re seeing Las Palmas for the first time.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and not interested in photos, public art, or lingering in historic squares, you can skip making a special trip and simply catch it in passing while heading to the cathedral or nearby museums.

For Different Travelers

This is an easy, low-commitment sight that fits into almost any itinerary because it’s outdoors, central, and pairs naturally with other Vegueta highlights.

Families with Kids

Kids usually enjoy the simple scavenger-hunt feel of spotting all eight dogs and choosing a favorite pose. It’s also a low-stress stop with plenty of open space compared with indoor attractions.

Pair it with a short old-town walk and a snack break nearby to keep the pace family-friendly. If you’re visiting in midday sun, plan a shaded café stop afterward.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The plaza is a classic backdrop for couple photos, especially when the light is soft and the square is calmer. It’s also a pleasant place to slow down before a cathedral visit or an evening drink in Vegueta.

For a more romantic feel, come later in the day and combine it with a stroll through Triana’s streets afterward. The contrast between the playful sculptures and the grand cathedral setting makes the stop surprisingly memorable.

Budget Travelers

This is a perfect budget-friendly landmark: it’s free, outdoors, and doesn’t require a timed ticket. It also sits in an area where you can build a full day of walking sightseeing without paying for transport.

Use it as an anchor point for exploring Vegueta on foot, then pick one paid attraction nearby (like a museum or cathedral rooftop) if you want to spend selectively.

History Buffs

While the dogs themselves are more of a modern symbol than an ancient artifact, their setting is deeply historic. Plaza de Santa Ana sits at the heart of Vegueta, surrounded by architecture and institutions that tell the story of the city.

Treat the sculptures as a starting marker, then focus your time on the cathedral and nearby museums for the deeper historical payoff. The best experience comes from connecting the playful landmark to its serious historic surroundings.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (50)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors describing the eight dog sculptures as an iconic, highly photogenic symbol of Las Palmas set beautifully in front of the cathedral. Many appreciate the different poses and expressions and recommend combining the stop with the cathedral and the surrounding historic square. The main downside mentioned or implied is that it’s a quick, simple attraction rather than a deep, time-consuming visit, and it can feel more like a photo stop than a standalone destination.

Patrik Krizek
8 months ago
"The bronze dog statues at Plaza de Santa Ana are one of Las Palmas’ most photographed landmarks. They’re not ancient, but locals are fond of them,and they’ve become a symbol of the city. The eight sculptures sit calmly in front of the cathedral, each with a different posture and expression. They’re popular with kids and tourists, expect to see people posing with them. No plaques or signs explain them on site, so it helps to read up beforehand. A small detail in a grand square, but memorable if you like local quirks and photo stops...."
Day Dreamer
12 months ago
"The Dogs of Santa Ana perhaps one of the most distinctive feature of the square is the eight bronze dog statues. These iconic sculptures have becomea symbol of the city and a popular spot for photos...."
Sam Hadlington
2 years ago
"Great little area to visit, the cathedral and roof terrace is a great experience too."

FAQs for Visiting Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana

Getting There

  • Is Plaza de Santa Ana walkable from Vegueta and Triana?
    Yes, it’s right in Vegueta and an easy walk from Triana via the old-town streets. Expect some gentle gradients and occasional uneven paving typical of historic areas.
  • What’s the easiest way to reach the square from Las Canteras?
    A taxi is the simplest and fastest option, especially if you’re short on time. Public buses also connect the areas, with a short walk at the end.
  • Can I park near Plaza de Santa Ana?
    Yes, but parking is limited in the historic center and can fill up quickly. It’s usually easier to use a public car park and walk the last few minutes.

Tickets & Entry

  • Do I need a ticket to see the dog sculptures?
    No, the sculptures are in a public square and can be visited freely. You can stop by for a quick look or linger as long as you like.
  • Is there any paid viewing area for the sculptures?
    No, there’s no separate viewing platform or paid zone for the statues. Any costs you encounter nearby would be for other attractions like museums or the cathedral.
  • Are there guided tickets specifically for the sculptures?
    Not typically as a standalone ticketed experience. They’re most often included as a brief stop on old-town walking tours.

Visiting Experience

  • How many dog statues are there?
    There are eight statues in the group. Walking around the plaza helps you notice the different poses and expressions.
  • Is it usually crowded?
    It can get busy at peak sightseeing hours, especially when tour groups arrive. Visiting early or later in the day tends to feel calmer.
  • Is there shade in the plaza?
    Shade can be limited in open areas of the square depending on the time of day. Bring sun protection if you’re visiting around midday.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

  • What’s a good way to combine this stop with other sights?
    Pair it with the Cathedral of Santa Ana and a walk through Vegueta’s historic streets. It also fits well before or after nearby museums in the old town.
  • Do I need a guide to appreciate it?
    No, it’s easy to enjoy visually without any background. A guide adds context about the district and the city’s symbols, but it’s optional.
  • Is this a good first stop in Vegueta?
    Yes, it’s a clear landmark and meeting point. Starting here makes it easy to orient yourself for the rest of the neighborhood.

Photography

  • What are the best photo angles?
    Try framing the dogs with the cathedral behind them, then switch to side angles to capture individual expressions. Morning and late afternoon light usually looks best.
  • Can I take photos without people in them?
    It’s possible early in the morning, but harder during peak hours. Patience helps, as crowds often move through in waves.
  • Is night photography worthwhile here?
    Yes, the atmosphere changes after dark and the setting can feel more dramatic. Use a steady hand or night mode for sharper shots.

Accessibility & Facilities

  • Is the area wheelchair-friendly?
    The plaza is mostly level, but historic paving can be uneven. A careful route choice usually makes it manageable.
  • Are there benches nearby?
    Yes, the square and surrounding area typically offer places to sit. It’s a convenient spot for a short rest during an old-town walk.
  • Where are the nearest restrooms?
    There are no dedicated restrooms at the sculptures themselves. Use nearby cafés, museums, or other public venues in Vegueta.

Food & Breaks Nearby

  • Are there cafés close to the plaza?
    Yes, Vegueta has plenty of cafés and small restaurants within a short walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop around your visit.
  • Is this a good place for a quick snack break?
    Yes, because it’s central and you can sit briefly before continuing sightseeing. Just be mindful of keeping the area tidy.
  • Can I find traditional Canarian food nearby?
    Yes, the old town is a good area to look for local dishes. If you’re unsure, choose a well-reviewed spot a few streets back from the busiest corners.

Safety & Timing

  • Is it safe to visit in the evening?
    Generally yes, especially when the area is active with diners and walkers. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings in busy spots.
  • What’s the best time of day to avoid crowds?
    Early morning is usually the quietest. Late afternoon can also work well between tour-group peaks.
  • Should I worry about heat?
    It can feel hot in direct sun, particularly in summer. Bring water and sun protection if you plan to linger in the square.

Nearby Attractions to the Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana

  • Cathedral of Santa Ana: The landmark cathedral facing the sculptures, often visited for its architecture and views.
  • Casa de Colón (Columbus House): A popular museum in Vegueta exploring Canary Islands history and transatlantic links.
  • Museo Canario: A key museum for understanding the island's pre-Hispanic past and archaeology.
  • Calle Triana: A lively pedestrian shopping street that’s great for a stroll between historic sights and cafés.
  • Vegueta Old Town Streets: The surrounding lanes and squares are ideal for wandering, architecture-spotting, and tapas stops.

The Sculptural Group The Dogs of the Plaza de Santa Ana appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

Free

Address: Plaza Sta. Ana, 1, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 2 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs