La Rabida Monastery, Andalucia, Spain

4Bruce W 5:00 PM Sep 19, 2018

Rabbiting on about the Monastery
Monasterio de Sta. Maria de La Rábida is a Franciscan Convent which has substantial links with one of the most important events in history, namely the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. It was here at the monastery that Columbus discussed his desires and intentions with, among others, the astronomer friar Antonio de Marchena and friar Juan Perez, who was the means to gain financial support for Columbus from Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs. The small Franciscan convent was built over the remains of a previous Moorish ‘Ribat’ or ‘Rabida’ (hence the name), after the reconquest by the Catholic Kings at the end of the 14th century. As a result of the devastation caused by the Lisbon earthquake and tsunami in 1755 the monastery was left derelict and not restored and reopened unit 1856. However, the style of the present architecture dates from the end of the 18th century. There are remains of ‘al fresco’ murals remaining from the 15th century, along with later restorations to the murals. Other murals, that you must see, in one of the rooms on the ground floor, depict the Discovery of America and are painted between 1929-30 by Daniel Vasquez Diaz (born in Nerva, Huelva). They are a good example of the Cubism movement in Spain at that time. All the murals are pretty impressive. Upstairs around the Caravel Gallery are accurately detailed models of the three ships that undertook this momentous journey. The principal ship, the Santa Maria, and the two caravels, La Pinta and La Niña. These can provide you with a foretaste of the full size replicas that you can see in the Muelle de las Carabelas not far away, should you so desire. Plenty of cheap or free parking close by. Wheelchair users might find the ground floor a little challenging, albeit with plenty to interest, and there is no lift to the first floor. Entry is very reasonable at three euros per individual, for which you get the option of an audio unit in the choice of a number of languages, or a printed colour leaflet. My preference is for the more comprehensive audio unit. Thanks for reading this and if you've found it helpful I'd appreciate a ‘thumbs up’ below.

4Virginia O 5:00 PM Jan 11, 2020

Worth a Visit for the Historical Significance
We wanted to learn more about the history of this monastery and it's role in the planning of Columbus' voyages of discovery. It's a pleasant place to wander around, especially if you are fortunate enough to visit when there aren't many large groups around. There is plenty of free parking and a wide open pedestrian avenue leading up to the entrance itself. There is an audio tour included in your entry fee. You just leave some form of collateral at the desk and retrieve it when you return the audio device. The Friary is owned by the Franciscans and was the place that Columbus stayed while planning his voyage to the New World, with the help and patronage of the guardian of the monastery, who wielded influence as the confessor to King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella. We found it a peaceful place in which to wander and learn. Quite an interesting stop. .