A replica of the Pinta at the Wharf of Caravels in Palos de la Frontera. Photo courtesy of Larry Wentzel via Flickr.
Whatever your feelings are about Christopher Columbus’s journey to the Americas, there’s one thing for sure: his voyage was historic, and Spain happens to very much agree. To learn more about the icon, head to the southwestern Spanish region of Huelva, an area rich with Columbus-related history, and where you can go on a journey of discovery about the well-known explorer.
Palos de la Frontera
This municipality and city in Huevla sits at the heart of Columbus’s legacy in the Spanish south — in fact, it is from here that Columbus initially set sail. As such, you can still come across sights commemorating the journey, including the water well near the port – called the fontanilla — from which the ships drew their pre-trip reserves. And then there’s the home (also a museum) of the local Pinzón brothers, who were co-discovers on the famous voyage, and contributed monetarily to making it possible. You’ll also find a couple of other sites worth visiting within the Palos de la Frontera region, which include:
Monasterio de La Rábida
Columbus called this 14th- to15th-century monastery home between 1491 and 1492 while he anxiously awaited financial backing from the Spanish monarchs. Apart from appreciating just its association with the explorer, check out the monastery’s Mudejar architecture, well-preserved cloister, and surrounding botanical gardens. Meanwhile, to learn more about Columbus, make a stop at the museum, which delves into the story of the Italian-born voyager.
Muelle de las Carabelas
Called the Wharf of Caravels in English, this is where you can visit and even board life-sized replicas of Columbus’s famous three ships: the Pinta, the Niña and the Santa María. Wander their decks and get a sense for what the voyage was like thanks to the furnished cabins and life-like manequins that perform tasks typical of those times.
Moguer
Moving on to Moguer, another nearby municipality and town located within Huelva. Not only is this where the Niña ship was born — err constructed — but Moguer is the site of the storied 14th-century Gothic-Mudejar Santa Clara Monastery. It is there that Columbus pledged his ever-important allegiance to the Spanish crown, and where he returned to for a night of prayer after completing his legendary journey.
Still looking for more Columbus sights? Go on a Seville sightseeing tour, during which you can visit the city’s namesake cathedral, home to the explorer’s remains. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for other Seville day trips beyond just Huelva, consider destinations such as the village of Carmona, or another southern big city such as Cordoba.
- Contributed by Erin Ridley
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