In Sevilla, Isla de La Cartuja, on the island is the monastery of Santa Maria de Las Cuevas, the base of which date to the 14th century. The building is built mainly in the Mudejar style with elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

Quite interesting is the history of the monastery in this place. Dating from the 12th century on the island of Isla was engaged in mining of clay from the caves here in large quantity. It also housed workshops, engaged in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles.. According to legend, one day, in one of the caves was found the image of the virgin, after which it was decided to build a monastery. Initially, the monastery served as a monastery for Franciscan monks, then came into the possession of the order of Saint Bruno. During the war with the French in the building of the monastery housed the barracks of the French troops. Some time later, the monastery was bought by a Portuguese merchant, who organized on its territory a plant engaged in the manufacture of ceramic and porcelain ware. In 1964, the monastery of Santa Maria de Las Cuevas was given the status of national historical and architectural monument of the plant after some time, was moved to another location.

The monastery is also famous for the fact that within its walls for about 40 years was the tomb of the most famous and revered Navigator Spain – Christopher Columbus.

The building of the monastery was restored in 1992 for the International exhibition Expo-92. From 1997, here is the Andalusian centre of contemporary art.