San Sebastián, La Gomera's capital, is the largest and busiest town of the island. People visit to enjoy the port which is a hub for tourism, but the town also offers its fair share of culture. Here are four places not to miss when visiting:
The Old Quarter of San Sebastián
Being the capital, and an important town in La Gomera, there is evidence that San Sebastián is where Christopher Columbus spent a short time before setting off on his voyage of discovery to America in 1492. The town is often visited for its historic past and the Old Quarter, which is relatively small and spans out from the harbour, is home to some very interesting buildings. Some streets survive from the 15th century and there are buildings dating between the 15th and 20th centuries. Columbus left his mark as he walked these roads looking for the supplies he needed for his two month journey at sea.
La Aguada House
Right next to the town square in San Sebastián's Old Quarter, is this pretty little 16th century house that is thought to be the place where Christopher Columbus took water for his voyage to America. The Bay of San Sebastián was the last port of call for the crew before setting off to their famous destination. In the courtyard of the Aguada House sits the old well where it is said the Admiral took his rations. This little house was in a great location for overseeing the trading of goods from the harbour and it therefore became the customs house. Over the years, the building has had a number of purposes but now serves as a tourist office and contains general information on La Gomera as well as Christopher Columbus.
Torre del Conde
This tower is situated to the left of the port of San Sebastián. It was built as a stronghold during the 15th century and the time of the conquest of the Canary Islands. It provided a means of protecting San Sebastián but also the lords of the island, who used the tower as a refuge. Extremely thick walls ensured the tower resisted attack and the windows are domed, enabling arrows and muskets to be shot. The Torre del Conde is the only existing medieval fortification in the Canaries, it was built in late Gothic style and stands at 15 meters high. There is currently an exhibition of historical maps to see.
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
Again located in the centre of the old town, this church is white faced and pretty with simple internal décor. The original chapel was constructed in 1450 but sadly later destroyed by fire. What stands here today is the structure that replaced it in the 18th century and it combines Gothic and Baroque styles with a simple stone bell tower. It acts as a tiny museum for the beautiful works of religious art it holds; there are altarpieces, and a painted wooden sculpture as well as paintings from the 16th – 18th centuries.
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