Typically, while visiting southern Spain, tourists stick to the cultural Meccas of Andalucia, visiting Granada, Cordoba, Seville, as well as the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. However, if in the area, head to the province of Huelva La Luz (Huelva the light), for a history lesson pertinent to the old world’s discovery of the Americas. Located in southwestern Spain, approximately a 45 minute drive from Portugal’s Algarve region, the city of Huelva and environs is home to La Rabida Monastery, and Lugares Colombinos (Columbus-related sites).Christopher Columbus devised a plan to set sail to the east, by way of the west at La Rabida. Your touring of the monastery includes the chapel with the image of the Virgin of the Miracles, Conference Room, Chapter House and 14th century cloister, as well as my personal favorite—the map room. It’s interesting to see a map of the globe, sans the Americas!
Also on display at the Monastery, Columbus-inspired artwork by the 19th century painter, Daniel Vazquez Diaz. After touring the monastery, head to the Lugares Colombinos which includes the Muelle de las Carabelas (Dock of the Caravels), an “interpretation center” dedicated to explaining the medieval construction of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
After Columbus and his crew received funding from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, they departed from Huelva’s port, where today stands the Monument to the Discovery Faith (1929). The Post-Art Deco structure made of Niebla stone stands 36 meters high and was a gift from the Philadelphia-based Columbus Memorial Fund.
Come back on Wednesday to see where we’re headed to next!
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