Granada's Royal Chapel

In 1492, not only did Columbus sail the ocean blue after Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand pledged financial support, but the "Catholic Monarchs" as they are known finished off the Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula, ending any Muslim rule in Europe by capturing Granada, the last Moorish capital in Spain.

The Royal Chapel, which is separate from, but built into the Cathedral of Granada, has the bodies of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand.  History tells us that the Queen was the stronger of the two, supporting Columbus despite the King and the expert professors from the University of Salamanca opposing the idea.  

Ironically, I thought we were entering into the Cathedral of Granada, which is the second-biggest in Spain.  We were underwhelmed by the thought that this smallish "Cathedral" was the second-biggest in Spain.

Turns out we didn't know until the next day what we were looking at.  Putting my stupidity aside (Editor: Not the first time, won't be the last time), here's a quick look at the Royal Chapel:

• No photos allowed, because it most importantly a royal burial site.  When we went in, I thought it was odd no photos were allowed, but it turns out, not a cathedral.
• In the lobby of the chapel, there is a large painting of the last Muslim ruler of Granada, Boabdil, giving the key of Granada to the conquering Ferdinand. 
• After the Reconquista, Isabel made Granada the capital of a united Spain until their great grandson, Philip II moved it to Madrid.
• The chapel is beautiful inside (we just expected more. . .or Moor?).
• The Gothic chapel was originally austere, but their grandson, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, gussied up after they were dead.
• In front of the main altar, there are four royal Renaissance-style tombs, carved in Italy of Carrara marble.
• Not only are Ferdinand and Isabel buried there, but so are Philip the Fair (their son-in-law) and Juana the Mad (their daughter).
• We then went downstairs to see the actual coffins (apparently royalty can have both tombs AND coffins).

It is also worth noting the high altar, considered one of the best Renaissance works of art in Spain.  Dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, it also has Ferdinand and Isabel kneeling in prayer.