Christopher Columbus in El Puerto de Santa María

Surely you know Christopher Columbus but did you know the importance that he had around? In this post we will show you a little bit of the impact of Christoper Columbus in el Puerto de Santa Maria.

A little bit about Christopher Columbus in El Puerto de Santa Maria

Christopher Columbus was a navigator, cartographer, admiral, viceroy and governor general of the West Indies in the service of the Crown of Castile. He was the one who made the discovery of America, as a result, he became the first person to land in the so called New World on October 12, 1492.

She spent several seasons at El Puerto de Santa María with the aim of preparing her trip to the New World and arranging her second trip there. In the first place, he chose this city because historically it has been of great maritime importance, as a consequence, considering the Levante and Poniente winds that make its bay one of the most desirable for sailing.

El Puerto de Santa María played a leading role in the great event that changed history: the discovery of America. This city was of immense importance, as it participated in large-scale trade between Spain and the New World.

This city took part in the American discovery with La Niña Caravel and the Santa María Nao, directed by Juan de la Cosa, who accompanied Columbus on his first two trips and he is the author of the world map made at El Puerto in 1500.

Christopher Columbus’ route in El Puerto de Santa Maria

To begin with, if you would like to take a route like Christopher Columbus did through our city and learn about its role meanwhile the colonial era, pay attention. Furthermore, discover what trade with the American colonies was like and travel back five hundred years with this incredible experience.

San Blas, San Telmo and Espíritu Santo

There are three adjoining buildings: the oldest one, “San Blas” hermitage.  “San Telmo” hospital, secondly, was built from it. They dedicated it to the people of the sea. And in the third place, “Espíritu Santo” convent.

Guadalete riverside

From here you can see the Guadalete river, which in the 15th century ran unchanneled. At that time, it was an area of docks, boatmen, wharves and boats.

In the 15th century the riverside area. In addition, could have been further backed, due to all the meanders that had the course of the Guadalete River.

Galleys dock

It owes its name to the fact that the royal galleys that anchored the Guadalete were prepared here, defending the coast.

Portals of the riverside

They are located behind the viewpoint and around the city, they are known as the portals. Its function was to shelter for the realization of different activities. 

Continuation of the Facade to the river

We continue to the Herrería Square. Firstly, it is open to the Guadalete street. Secondly, it connects with the Jesús de los Milagros and Misericordia street. The physiognomy of this whole riverbank changed from the 16th century.

San Marcos Castle

We continue the route through the San Marcos Castle, which was once a sanctuary-fortress. It was a mooring area and nautical activities.

In the second half of the 15th century, it belonged to the Medinaceli Dukes. This castle is the result of the transformation of the 10th century mosque into the Christian church-fortress in the 13th century.

San Juan de la Cosa Square

It is located where the old warehouse of the city used to be. Here there is a ceramic reproduction of the nautical chart and a bust of the cartographer Juan de la Cosa.

Colombus Square

Its current tile is a reproduction of the one installed in 1938. In the 15th century, the “Posada del Toro” inn, belonging to the Valera family, was located here.

Old Ducal Customs

We will continue the tour through the building of the old Ducal Customs of the 15th century, on whose facade there are two shields that belong to the “Familia de la Cerda”, the Dukes of Medinaceli.

Palacios Street

It receives this name because in the past customs limited it, which once was a ducal residence; and the new palace that the dukes built later in front of the “Iglesia Mayor Prioral”.

“Iglesia Mayor Prioral”

One of its main chapels belonged to the Valera family, to which Diego and Charles de Valera belonged, who were directly related to the company of the Indies.

“La Placilla”

In the 15th century it was already a market area as it is today. The next point of interest on the route is Ricardo Alcón Street, where the old city wall stood.

Letter about Columbus and world map by Juan de la Cosa

In the “Alfonso X El Sabio” Municipal Cultural Center we find reproductions of the letter of March 19, 1543, in which the Duke of Medinaceli informs his uncle the Cardinal of Mendoza of his relationship with the discovery of America, and the world map of “Juan de la Cosa”.

Hermitage of “Nuestra Señora de Guía”

This hermitage was located where the Gutiérrez Colosía Wineries are currently located. Here the monastery of “San Francisco de la Observancia” originated, the first place where the friars settled.

Other prominent places on the route that Christopher Columbus made through our city are: “Hospital de la Misericordia”,” Casa de los Torrejón”, “Ermitage de Santa Brígida” and “Convento de San Francisco de la Observancia”.

Reproduction of the Caravel “La Niña”

We will finish the route by visiting a reproduction of the Caravel “La Niña”. Luis Miguel Coín Cuenca created it, who made the same journey five centuries later.

Summary

Discover the importance that El Puerto de Santa María had after the discovery of America and take this Route, inspired by Christopher Columbus. Enjoy the city and know all its secrets on this wonderful route. We will make sure it is a unique experience!

Surely, now that you know a little bit more about Christoper Columbus in El Puerto de Santa Maria, you want to know more and more about el Puerto! If so,  go take a look at our  10 Curiosities about El Puerto for more local information or go and have a glance at our experiences  and go fall in love with El Puerto even more experiencing all by yourself. And please for more info and insights, get in touch with us here or write us at info@alsherry.com and we’d be delighted to arrange / make plans with you or for you!