Monument to the Discovery Faith, Huelva

Name: Monument to the Discovery Faith
Address: Huelva, Spain

#1 among attractions in Huelva

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Facts and practical information

The Monument to the Discovery Faith stands as a testament to Spain's rich maritime history and is a prominent feature in the city of Huelva. This towering sculpture, also known as the Monumento a la Fe Descubridora, was erected to honor the explorers who embarked on voyages from the nearby La Rábida Monastery, including Christopher Columbus, who set sail from this region in 1492.

The monument is a striking concrete structure, measuring 37 meters in height, and was designed by the American sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. It was inaugurated in 1929, coinciding with the Ibero-American Exposition in Seville, and stands on a picturesque spot near the meeting point of the Tinto and Odiel rivers, offering panoramic views of the area where the Atlantic Ocean and the rivers converge.

Visitors to the Monument to the Discovery Faith are greeted by an imposing figure representing a Franciscan friar, believed to be Friar Juan Pérez, who supported Columbus's quest to find a westward sea route to the Indies. The monument's base is adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the voyages of discovery, enriching the visitor's experience with a visual history lesson.

The site is easily accessible to tourists and provides a serene environment for reflection on the courage and determination of the explorers who changed the course of history. It is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in Spain's Age of Discovery. The monument also offers an excellent opportunity for photography, with its grandeur and the scenic backdrop of Huelva's landscape.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 37°12'44"N, 6°56'25"W

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Huelva Spain

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Huelva

Day trips

Monument to the Discovery Faith – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Wharf of the Caravels, La Rábida Friary, Fontanilla, Rio Tinto Pier.

0.7 miE
Museum, Maritime museum, History museum
Wharf of the Caravels, Palos de la Frontera
18 min walk • The Wharf of the Caravels, located in the historic town of Palos de la Frontera, Spain, is a maritime museum that offers a unique glimpse into the Age of Discovery. This open-air museum is home to full-sized replicas of the three ships that Christopher Columbus used on...
0.9 miE
Notable 13th-century Franciscan convent
La Rábida Friary
23 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Palos de la Frontera, Spain, La Rábida Friary is a historic monastery of profound significance. With its origins dating back to the 13th century, this Franciscan convent played a pivotal role in the Age of Discovery, particularly in the voyages...
3 miNE
Fountain
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77 min walk • The Fontanilla is the former public fountain of Palos de la Frontera in Spain where, according to tradition, these fountains provided the water for the ships of Christopher Columbus's first voyage—the Santa María, the Niña, and the Pinta—when, on 3 August 1492, they departed...
2.9 miN
Piers and boardwalks
Rio Tinto Pier, Huelva
73 min walk • The Rio Tinto Pier was a commercial pier formerly used for the trade of material from the mines of the Rio Tinto Company in Andalusia, Spain. It is situated on the River Odiel in the city of Huelva. An estimated 150 million tons of ore were shipped from the pier over its life.
3.7 miN
Sport, Sport venue
Plaza de Toros de La Merced, Huelva
95 min walk • Plaza de Toros de Merced is a bullring in Huelva, Spain. It is currently used for bull fighting. The stadium holds 15,000 spectators. It was opened in 1902.
7 miNE
Forts and castles
Castillo de Moguer, Moguer
178 min walk • Castillo de Moguer is a castle in Moguer, in the province of Huelva, Spain. It was renovated and enlarged in the 14th century. Castillo de Moguer was built of mud-based mortar gravel, clay and lime.
4.5 miN
Park
Parque Moret, Huelva
114 min walk • Moret Park is an urban park located in the Spanish city of Huelva. It is one of the most significant places in the capital because of its strategic location and because it is considered an authentic natural space within the city.
3 miN
37°15'18"N • 6°56'37"W
Museo Provincial de Huelva, Huelva
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Library
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78 min walk • The Huelva Public Library is a public library located in Huelva, Spain.
2.4 miSW
Town
Punta Umbría
63 min walk • The town is situated on a narrow peninsula, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Odiel Marshes Natural Park, offering visitors the opportunity to explore both the beach and the natural landscape. The wide, sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming...
3.6 miN
37°15'47"N • 6°57'9"W
Catedral de la Merced, Huelva
91 min walk • Church