Columbus in Barcelona - The Report to the Kings

Columbus returned from his epic first voyage on 4 March 1493, sailing into the port of Lisbon. Moved upon by the Holy Spirit as seen anciently by Nephi, he had overcome tremendous odds and returned home safely from a voyage of discovery that would not only change this history of Spain, but the history of the world, and was a key step in ushering in the Restoration.

From Lisbon (where he had been driven by a storm), Columbus sailed the Niña to Palos de la Frontera, where he set foot again upon Spanish soil on 15 March 1493. From Palos he travelled to Sevilla, arriving on 31 March. There he waited for a response from Ferdinand and Isabella, who were holding court in Barcelona. He received his response on Easter weekend, confirming his royal title of Admiral of the Ocean Sea and inviting him to come and report personally to the Kings in Barcelona.

The Admiral traveled via Murcia and Valencia in a colorful procession which included caged parrots and six Indians in native dress, arriving in Barcelona in mid-April. In an elaborate ceremony fitting the occasion, the royals stood with their entourage on the top of the palace steps as Columbus and his entourage entered the plaza.

To commemorate the event we made a quick visit to the old royal palace, conveniently located in downtown Barcelona.

It was beautiful, sunny day in Barcelona, probably similar to the day in 1493 when Columbus arrived at the steps of the palace.

We are grateful to Columbus for his diligence in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit - "with a hand that could be felt" as he described it. And we are grateful for the hand of the Holy Spirit in our mission that leads our missionaries to those persons who are prepared and ready to receive the restored gospel.