Successes of the reign of the Catholic Monarchs

The history of Spain is marked by the influence of Isabella and Ferdinand, who achieved important territorial conquests, promoted trade, culture and science, as well as laying the foundations for the modern monarchy of our country. For this reason, it is important to know the successes of the reign of the Catholic Monarchs.

Would you like to discover the greatest triumphs of the Catholic Monarchs? Stay and read this article, we'll show you everything you need to know below!

Social peace and strengthening of the state

After the marriage of the Catholic Monarchs, there was a unification of several kingdoms in the country, bringing the lands of Castile and Aragon under a single leadership.

The Catholic Monarchs transformed the feudal monarchy that had been in place until then into an authoritarian one, establishing a system of centralised governance that strengthened the state's control over the provinces. In addition, to fight heresy, they implemented the Spanish Inquisition, gaining greater authority over the Catholic Church.

Likewise, the monarchs developed policies that helped to encourage trade and agriculture, which helped to achieve economic growth in both kingdoms.

It should also be noted that Isabella and Ferdinand were very committed to culture and education, creating universities, libraries and supporting the formation of society.

Conquest of Granada, the Canary Islands and Navarre

Although the Nasrid kings declared themselves vassals of Castile and paid tribute for it, there was often conflict and friction between the two sides. Thus, when the Muslim dynasty took Zahara in 1481, the Catholic Monarchs perceived this as an offensive by the Nasrids, which led to the outbreak of the War of Granada, which lasted more than 10 years.

On 2 January 1492, Boabdil had to surrender the city of Granada, putting an end to the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula.

The conquest of the Canary Islands also became important, with all the islands being incorporated into the Crown of Castile in 1496. And also the conquest of Navarre, which was annexed to the Crown of Aragon in 1515.

Discovery of America

One of the historical events that came about thanks to the Catholic Monarchs was the discovery of America. Although many kingdoms had denied Columbus the project, Isabella saw an opportunity to open up the Spanish monarchy to a new horizon.

The Genoese's intention was to reach the Indies via an unexplored route from the west. However, on 12 October 1492 he reached the West Indies, discovering new, hitherto unknown lands.

Although Columbus died thinking he had reached the eastern shores of Asia, several prominent figures made voyages to investigate this territory and, in 1499, Americo Vespucci determined that it was a new continent.

Among the benefits that the discovery of America brought to the Catholic Monarchs were the extension of maritime traffic routes, the exchange of cultures, the consolidation of the kingdom and the evangelisation of new lands.

European projection

Finally, in order to know all the successes of the Catholic Monarchs, we must not forget to talk about their European projection, which was achieved through an ambitious policy of marriage alliances.

To consolidate relations with Portugal, Isabella, the first-born daughter of the Catholic Monarchs, was married to Alfonso, King of Portugal. In addition, his daughter Catherine was betrothed to Arthur, the heir to the English throne.

On the other hand, in order to maintain a series of links with the house of Habsburg, they arranged a double marriage. They married John and Joan to the children of the Emperor Maximilian, Margaret and Philip the Fair.

Why visit the Royal Chapel of Granada?

As we have seen throughout this article on the successes of the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, the union of the two monarchs resulted in a period of hegemony and prosperity in our country.

Such was the importance of the Reconquest of Granada for Isabella and Ferdinand that they decided to be buried in the city, and their remains are kept in the Royal Chapel of Granada.

If you would like to visit this monument, do not hesitate to buy your tickets for the Royal Chapel of Granada on the official website of the Archdiocese of Granada. 

Let yourself be surprised by the history and beauty of this temple!