As we begin our journey, it is essential to understand the historical context in which these initiatives developed. Since the Middle Ages, the Spanish nobility was in a process of consolidating power, often using their influence to sponsor works that not only granted them personal prestige but also contributed to the social and economic development of their territories. The construction of monasteries, hospitals, and universities served not only to propagate the Catholic faith but also became a means to provide education and care for the most needy.
A clear example of this dynamic is found in the figure of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, whose policies promoted the creation of educational and religious institutions. The University of Salamanca, founded in the 12th century and consolidated in the following centuries, received significant donations that allowed it to flourish as one of the leading centers of knowledge in Europe. It was not only a place of teaching but also hosted the discussion of ideas that, at times, challenged traditional beliefs, making it a cultural melting pot.
Religion played a fundamental role in this process of foundations and donations. The Counter-Reformation, which intensified in the 16th century, prompted many nobles to contribute to the construction of churches and convents, viewing them as a means of re