La Rábida

Downstream of Palos de la Frontera is the Franciscan friary of La Rábida, finely situated on a hill at the mouth of the Río Tinto. A cross at the entrance, erected in 1892, commemorates Columbus's stay here. After failing in 1485 to win the support of John II of Portugal for his plans Columbus and his son were given a friendly reception in the monastery and found an advocate in Prior Pérez de Marchena, Queen Isabella's confessor.

After long negotiations Isabella was persuaded to conclude an agreement, signed and sealed in Santa Fe, making Columbus viceroy of any lands discovered. The 14th century church has a Mudéjar cloister and a small museum with mementos of the Conquistadors.