A historic day in Barcelona
On a significant date of the calendar, on March 15, 1493, Christopher Columbus returned to Barcelona after a trip that would change the story. This adventure, which began with a dream of discovery, led the sailor to found the first European settlement on Hispaniola Island, a decisive step that opened its doors to exploration of the New World.
The return journey and the difficulties
The Columbus Crossing was not without complications. After leaving Hispaniola, on January 16, a storm divided its fleet. La Pinta, one of the ships, headed for Galicia, while La Niña, with Columbus on board, stopped in Lisbon on March 4. This led to questions about the relations between the Spanish and Portuguese Courts, which competed for the domination of the new territories.
An unexpected trip to Barcelona
Once in Lisbon, Columbus resumed his journey to Spain. Instead of opting for a maritime route, he decided to travel on the ground to Seville, a route that raised doubts among historians. His choice was considered risky, as the road was full of difficulties, and some experts question that the navigator and his entourage could cover the more than a thousand kilometers in such a short time.
Preparations for the second expedition
After arriving in Barcelona and a meeting with the Catholic Kings at the monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, Columbus embarked on the preparation for his second trip. The Captain Nau, the Marigalant, was built in the shipyards of the city and was manned by a group of prominent people in Catalonia, who would play an important role in this new expedition.
The time to split again
The Marigalant set sail from Barcelona on May 28, almost two months after Columbus’s return. This expedition was intended to join the fleet that was being prepared in Cádiz. The chronology of events generates debate among historians, because if Columbus had arrived at the end of April, as some chroniclers claimed, the preparations would not have been viable in such a short time.
Reflections on Columbus’s legacy
The legacy of Christopher Columbus is complex and full of nuances. Not only did his return to Barcelona mark the beginning of a new exploration age, but also raised questions about competition between European nations. With each trip, Columbus opened the door to an unknown world, leaving a mark that endures to this day.
