Barcelona Royal Shipyard, Gothic shipyard in El Raval, Spain.
Eight parallel naves with stone arches and vaulted ceilings form an expansive space designed for constructing large galleys. The structure extends approximately 400 feet (120 meters) in length and employs Gothic architecture to create a functional industrial space without internal supporting walls.
King Peter III of Aragon began construction of this naval complex in 1285, serving as the production facility for Barcelona's fleet. The shipyard remained active until the 18th century and was later used for storage before conversion to a museum in the 20th century.
The Maritime Museum presents navigation equipment, ship models and maps documenting Barcelona's role as a trading hub and military base across the Mediterranean. Collections trace Catalan maritime commerce from medieval times through the modern era, illustrating technological advances in shipbuilding across several centuries.
The facility sits beside Drassanes metro station and opens daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, with guided tours in multiple languages. Accessible entry is provided through the main entrance, and a museum cafe operates on the ground floor.
Excavations in 2012 uncovered a Roman necropolis beneath the complex, extending its significance beyond medieval naval history to encompass multiple archaeological periods.
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