Catholic Monarchs

Contemplate the wax figures of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Fernando II of Aragon, whose union laid the foundations of modern Spain and the great Spanish Empire.

Their marriage in 1469 unified a large part of the Iberian Peninsula and consolidated monarchical power. The taking of Granada was achieved in 1492, whereby marking the conclusion of the Reconquest. They also supported the voyage of Christopher Columbus, which would mark the beginning of Spain’s overseas expansion. They promoted the centralization of power, the Inquisition, and a new period in European history. Their reign was key to the Spanish national identity. Interesting fact: they jointly signed documents as “The Catholic Monarchs” and shared government decisions, something unusual for their time.