Barcelona Tour Highlights
The Maritime Museum in Barcelona is based in the former Royal Shipyards. The building itself is remarkable, with parts of it dating back to 1285. There is also written evidence from 1241, stating that during the reign of James I of Aragon, the site was already dedicated to shipbuilding and it is possible they were building boats here even earlier. Recent excavations have uncovered a Roman graveyard on the site, for example.
Firstly, the goal of the shipyard was to build galleys for the Aragonese Armada, but secondly it also doubled as a naval arsenal. At the height of its use, the shipyard produced twelve galleys at the same time. These boats were made for Alfonso V of Aragon.
In 1571 the galley ‘Real’ was constructed for John of Austria and later became the flagship in the famous Battle of Lepanto. Moreover this naval encounter was when the Christian forces, known as the ‘Holy League,’ defeated the fleet of the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Corinth. A replica of the galley is the centre piece of the museum.
The shipyards continued to produce boats until the mid 18th Century, when all naval operations were moved to Cartagena and so, the Spanish Army moved in. Finally, the building was given to Barcelona City Council in 1935 and the current museum opened its doors in 1941.
In conclusion, the Maritime Museum showcases the story of navigation and the history of the Spanish Navy. Apart from examples of various craft, you can see art-work, models, navigational instruments and weapons. The museum regularly hosts local events, including the super cool Barcelona Surf Film Festival.
Submarine
Restaurant
Royal Galley
Old Water Line
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© 2024 All rights reserved GoCar Barcelona