ITINERARY: La Rabida, Palos de la Frontera, Moguer, Lucena del Puerto, Huelva.
A journey to Huelva is a step back in time, offering a unique opportunity to reconstruct the preparations, the departure, and the return from the epoch-making voyage of discovery. Nestled at the mouth of the rivers Tinto and Odiel, Huelva boasts a large natural harbour that was a hive of nautical activity during this period. The seafaring inhabitants of Palos de la Frontera, Moguer, and Huelva were intrepid explorers and colonisers who embarked on daring voyages of discovery.
Among these adventurers were noblemen, merchants, members of religious orders, seamen, and soldiers. Their legacy lives on today in the castles, monasteries, convents, and houses that stand as silent witnesses to this brilliant past.
At the heart of this historical tapestry is the Monastery of La Rabida. This former ribat (Arab defence fortress) was converted into a Franciscan monastery and became an active scientific, cosmographic, and marine centre. It was here, within the hallowed halls of La Rabida, that the voyage of discovery was nurtured. The monastery offered hospitality to pilgrims, including Columbus, who found his first protectors in Spain here after his failure in the Portuguese court. Today, La Rabida stands as the emblem par excellence of the Andalusian buildings connected with America, a testament to the spirit of discovery that defined an era.
Location in map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kEPkS2DRMyfszGuq8
Palos de la Frontera is a city steeped in history and is intrinsically linked to the voyage of discovery. It was here that the crews of the ships were assembled for the epic journey. The call to assemble was made in the Church of San Jorge, a 15th-century structure built in the Gothic and Mudejar styles by the lords of the town. The church still stands as a testament to the town's rich past.
Before embarking on their voyage, the crews stocked up on water at the nearby Fontanilla, a fine example of brick Mudejar architecture. The Fontanilla was conveniently located under the protection of the Castle, which dominated the port of Palos, providing a strategic vantage point.
Also of note in the town is the Casa de los Pinzon, the legendary ancestral home of the sailors who sailed with Columbus on his first voyage. This house serves as a reminder of the brave individuals who embarked on a journey into the unknown, forever changing the course of history.
The Monastery of Santa Clara (14th-16th C.) in Moguer was a place of special devotion for Columbus. Its style and proportions set a precedent that would be echoed in colonial American architecture. The monastery's cloisters, the church's alabaster sepulchres, tiles and murals, and the Museum of Sacred Art are among its most notable features. You can view its location on the map here.
The Convent of San Francisco (14th-18th century) is another significant site in Moguer. You can view its location on the map here.
The remains of the Castle and the houses in the historical quarter of Moguer, paint a vivid picture of this city's close ties to the first European voyages to America. You can view the location of the Castle here.
In the heart of Lucena del Puerto, a town steeped in history, stands the Monastery of La Luz (map). This remarkable structure, dating back to the 14th-16th centuries, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Age of Discovery. The monastery's design and construction reflect the aesthetic sensibilities and functional requirements of the era, making it a living monument to this pivotal period in history.
Its walls have witnessed the ebb and flow of history, bearing silent testimony to the trials and triumphs of the people who lived and worked within them. Today, the monastery continues to inspire and educate, offering visitors a unique insight into the architectural traditions of the Age of Discovery.
From its soaring arches to its intricate stonework, every aspect of the Monastery of La Luz speaks of a time when exploration and discovery were reshaping the world. It stands as a symbol of the spirit of innovation and curiosity that defined the Age of Discovery, and continues to resonate with those who visit it today.
In Huelva, one finds the Santuario de la Cinta, a 15th-century sanctuary that serves as a poignant reminder of the trials and tribulations faced during Columbus's voyage. During times of peril, Columbus sought solace and protection in his faith. He entrusted himself to the Virgin of Hermitage, a testament to the deep spiritual resilience that guided him through the most challenging moments of his journey. This sanctuary stands as a symbol of those times, offering a glimpse into the personal struggles and faith that played a crucial role in one of history's most significant explorations.
Sanctuary of La Cinta: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xLEMmKNmDimwbSVi7
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