The monastery of Santa María de La Rábida is nicknamed "the birthplace of America." In 1485 Columbus came from Portugal with his son Diego to stay in this Mudejar-style Franciscan monastery. Here he discussed his theories with friars Antonio de Marchena and Juan Pérez, who interceded on his behalf with Queen Isabella. The early 15th-century church holds a much-venerated 14th-century statue of the Virgen de los Milagros (Virgin of Miracles). The frescoes in the gatehouse were painted by Daniel Vázquez Díaz in 1930.
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