This district was established at the same time as the neighbouring San Juan district, around 24 June 1483. As a small hill known as Santa María la Antigua, it was the place chosen by (or relegated to) craftsmen and shopkeepers who relied on the gentlemen of San Juan to earn their living. The houses and streets are the best remaining example of common urban construction on Gran Canaria. You can visit the San Francisco Church, erected on the site of the old Santa Maria la Antigua chapel. For further information, call the Tourism Office.