The Reconquista
January 2, 1492: Boabdil hands the keys of Granada to Ferdinand and Isabella.
After 781 years of continuous warfare, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain falls. This is the story of how 300 Christian warriors at Covadonga sparked a conflict that would reshape Europe forever.
The Battle That Changed Everything
Las Navas de Tolosa (1212): 200,000 soldiers clashed. The Almohad Empire never recovered.
He Won a Battle After Death
El Cid: The warrior so feared that his corpse was strapped to a horse to lead one final charge.
The Palace They Almost Destroyed
The Alhambra: Napoleon's troops tried to blow it up. A soldier cut the fuse and saved it.
856 Columns. Zero Straight Lines.
The Mezquita: Built by slaves and caliphs. Charles V built a cathedral inside and regretted it forever.
Kings, Warriors & Sultans
From Pelayo (who started it with 300 men) to Isabella (who finished it with an empire). Meet the 10 figures who shaped 781 years of history.
Choose Your Journey
Explore 781 years of history through battles, timelines, or interactive experiences
Interactive Timeline
From 711 AD to 1492 AD. Every major event, battle, and turning point mapped out.
Test Your Knowledge
Can you name all 5 Christian kingdoms? Do you know who Boabdil was? Find out.
Interactive Map
Watch 781 years of territorial changes. See how the borders moved decade by decade.
Go Deeper
The Reconquista still shapes Spain today. Explore its lasting legacy.
You Speak Arabic Every Day
4,000+ Spanish words come from Arabic. "Almohada" (pillow), "Azucar" (sugar), "Alcalde" (mayor)...
DNA Doesn't Lie
2008 study shocked Spain: millions have Jewish ancestry. In 2015, Spain offered citizenship to descendants.
Is Your Name Here?
Lopez, Martinez, Cohen, Castro, Medina... Search your surname and discover its Reconquista origins.
The Sephardic Story
200,000 Jews expelled. Their descendants still speak Ladino. Visit the synagogues that survive.
Visit These Sites Today
Alhambra, Mezquita, Alcazar, Santiago... Ticket prices, best times to visit, pro tips for each.
Recommended Reading
Expert-curated book list. Ranked by depth, memorability, and how enjoyable they are to read.
Quick Answers
How long did the Reconquista last?
781 years (711-1492 AD). From the Umayyad invasion to the Fall of Granada. It's one of the longest military campaigns in human history.
Who won the Reconquista?
The Christian kingdoms of Castile and Aragon (united under Ferdinand and Isabella). On January 2, 1492, the last Muslim ruler Boabdil surrendered Granada.
What was the most important battle?
Las Navas de Tolosa (1212). A coalition of Christian kingdoms crushed the Almohad army. It was the turning point - Muslim power in Spain never recovered.