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Convento de Santa María de La Rábida ☒

Placas en el Convento

Plaques in the Convent

date?

Palos de la Frontera / Placas en el Convento

Description

The Franciscan Monastery Santa María de la Rábida, where Columbus found hospitality and assitance in 1585, dates from 1412 and was abandoned in 1835. It fell until ruins, but after twenty years its historical importance was recognized. It was declared National Monument in 1856, shortly after the buildings were restored. The IVth Centenary of the discovery of America in 1892 was celebrated in and around the convent, among others by erecting a enormous column (see Monumento a los Descubridores). In 1920 the Franciscan monks returned to the convent. Nowadays there are twelve monks in the convent.
Presently the convent houses a small museum about Columbus and the discovery of America. Except for historical objects, several rooms of the convent are adorned with frescoes.

Inscription(s)

In the entrance courtyard there are two azulejo plaques:

A text flanked by a representation of the pillars of Hercules, both with the motto Plus Ultra. At the top a world map with the routes of Columbus, El Cano and Magellan. The text reads:
LA RABIDA ES LA PRIMERA
AFIRMACION DEL MOVIMIENTO
HISPANOAMERICANO
[Continuation:] El Lugar donde se Engendro el Nuevo Mundo es Sagrado para la Emoción Racial el Español ó Americano que Sienta Hondo y Eleve el Pensamiento. ¿No nos Ayudará en Nuestros Propósitos de Convertir en Amor y Paz la Fuerza que Irradia de este Humilde Monasterio? El Cristo ante el cual Oraron, Colón, Fray Juan Perez, Marchena y los Pinzones. Abre sus Brazos a los Hombres de Todas las Creencias y Buena Volundad.
Translation: La Rabida is the first affirmation of the Hispano-Americam movement.
The Place where the New World Beget is Sacred for the Racial Emotion of the Spaniard or American that Feels Profound and Raises the Thought. Would it not Help us in our Purposes to Convert in Love and Piece the Force that Irradiates from this Humble Monastery? The Christ in front of which prayed, Columbus, Friar John Pérez, Marchena and the Pinzons. Opens its Arms to Men of All the Creeds and Good Will.
The other memorating the 75th anniversary of the return of the Franciscan Monks in La Rábida and their efforts for the celebration of the fifth centenary of the discovery of America.
Text:
LA REAL SOCIEDAD COLOMBINA ONUBENSE
A LA
ORDEN FRANCISCANA
EN RECUERDO DEL 75 ANIVERSARIO DE SU REGRESO
AL MONASTERIO DE SANTA MARIA DE LA RABIDA
Y EN HOMENAJE Y AGRADECIMIENTO POR SU CONTRIBUCION
AL MAYOR ESPLENDOR DE LAS CELEBRACIONES DEL
5^o CENTENARIO DEL DESCUBRIMIENTO DE AMERICA
EN ESTE HISTORICO CONVENTO.
1920-1995
LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA.
Translation: The Royal Columbian Society of Huelva to the Franciscan order in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of its return to the monastery of Saint Mmary of the Rabida and in homage and greatfullness for its contribution to the greater splendor of the celebrations of the 5th centenary of the discovery of America in this historic convent 1920-1995. The board of directors.

Muelle de las Carabelas

It is not a real monument, but worthy enough to mention here. Close to the Monastery there are full size replicas of the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Niña. A photo impression:

Pinta, Santa Maria and Niña Santa Maria: Columbus in his cabin Peter on the Santa Maria, the Pinta in the background

Sources & Information

Sebastián García, O.F.M., La Rábida, pórtico del Nuevo Mundo: Síntesis histórico-artística ([Palos de la Frontera]: Comunidad Franciscana del Convento de Santa María de la Rábida, 1998), p. 179-181.
Translation: Marcos Iglesias

Locatie (N 37°12'27" - W 6°55'33") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: esan032; Photograph: 9 March 2002
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

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