The legacy of Isabella the Catholic

Isabella the Catholic died in Medina del Campo on 26 November 1504, when the Queen was 53 years old. This event put an end to three decades of her reign, framed by a figure full of history, life and work.

She was one of the most important women in the history of Spain. Would you like to know more about the legacy of Isabella the Catholic? Read on!

The life of Isabella the Catholic

Isabella the Catholic, daughter of King John II of Castile and Isabella of Portugal, has been considered one of the great women of world history.

As for her personality, we can say that she was a very educated woman, as well as pious, intelligent and introverted. Likewise, she was educated in various subjects.

After the death of her brother Alfonso, Isabella, aged just 16, was declared heir to the throne of Castile. In the meantime, she decided to embark on a path of reflection together with the King, which ended with the Guisando Agreements.

It was not until the death of Henry IV in 1474, without having made a will, that Isabella proclaimed herself Queen of Castile.

She secretly married Ferdinand II of Aragon in breach of her pact with Henry. Together they had five children: Isabella, John, Joan, Catherine and Mary.

The testament of Isabella the Catholic

Gaspar de Grizio was the one who, as royal notary, set down on the vellum sheets at the Queen's dictation. One of the main demands that Isabella left in her will was that on her death she should be buried with her husband, King Ferdinand. Today, both are at rest in the tomb found in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral of Granada.

In her will, Isabella declared her daughter Juana as her successor, but she was imprisoned in a convent in Tordesillas. The kingdom passed into the hands of her father Ferdinand and later to her husband Philip.

Later, the kingdom, now united with Aragon, would be managed by Charles I, grandson of the Catholic Monarchs, the son of Juana and Philip. It was he who brought stability and unity, just as his grandmother Isabella the Catholic had wished.

Charles was educated in language and customs by Luis Cabeza de Vaca. Eventually, he became Charles I of Spain, adding to his reign of the Netherlands as Charles V of Germany. Charles's destiny was to sit on the throne as an emperor.

Buy your tickets to the Royal Chapel in Granada

As we can see, the life of Isabella the Catholic is framed by many events that have left their mark on the history of Spain. Thus, today we can continue to remember her legacy in the Royal Chapel of Granada.

If you would like to visit this beautiful temple, you can buy your tickets to the Royal Chapel of Granada through our official website of the Archdiocese of Granada.

Let yourself be amazed by this monument and enjoy its great beauty!