The convent stands on level ground high above the sea; but a steep road runs down to the shore of the ocean.

Some of its windows and corridors look out upon the ocean on the west and south, and the inmates still show the room in which Columbus used to write, and the inkstand which served his purposes while he lived there.

It is maintained as a monument of history by the Spanish government.
At the door of this convent he asked for bread and water for his boy.
The prior of the convent was named Juan Perez de Marchena.

He was attracted by the appearance of Columbus, still more by his conversation, and invited him to remain as their guest.
When he learned that his new friend was about to offer to France the advantages of a discovery so great as that proposed, he begged him to make one effort more at home.

He sent for some friends, Fernandos, a physician at Palos, and for the brothers Pinzon, who now appear for the first time in a story where their part is distinguished.