The Gran Canaria fortress, considered the oldest in Gran Canaria, now features in Correos's prestigious philatelic series. This initiative aims to emphasize the role of the Castillo de La Luz in the Atlantic defense of the Crown of Castile and its significance as a symbol of the Archipelago's maritime history. The stamp issue also seeks to promote the cultural legacy of this historic construction.
The Castillo de La Luz, whose location coincides with the founding of Real de Las Palmas in June 1478, stands as the oldest defensive fortress in Gran Canaria. Its original medieval structure comprised a three-story quadrangular enclosure. The building evolved through three phases: the initial Torre Fajardo, an artillery barrier added in 1547, and the outer wall in 1563. By the mid-20th century, the castle was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest).
Following various proposals in the late 20th century, it was decided to convert the castle into a museum space. The adaptation project, led by architects Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano, was inaugurated in January 2014. During the restoration, parts of the original construction, hidden for five centuries, were uncovered. The renovation incorporated materials such as corten steel, white concrete, and white limestone, enhancing the value of the historic walls.
Since 2015, the space has served as the headquarters of the Martín Chirino Foundation for Art and Thought. The issuance of the stamp by Correos underscores the importance of the Castillo de La Luz in the historical connections between Europe, Africa, and America.
