Museo Naval del Barco de la Virgen, Naval museum in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain
The Museo Naval del Barco de la Virgen is a naval museum in the northern part of the city, designed to resemble a stranded galleon positioned beside the Las Nieves ravine and displaying maritime history. The building contains exhibits about ships, seafaring, and the island's relationship with the ocean.
This building was constructed in the 1940s by local residents and represents a full-scale reproduction of a famous vessel from the age of exploration. The site became linked to local festivals and religious events that reflected the island's maritime traditions.
The museum plays a central role during the Descent of Virgin of Las Nieves festival, when traditional dialogues between a fortress and this vessel are performed as part of local religious customs. Visitors can witness this living tradition that connects the place to the community's spiritual practices.
The museum is open daily to visitors and offers exhibits presented in multiple languages to welcome different audiences. Plan time to explore the interior spaces, and note that the ship architecture is visible from outside.
The museum holds historical maritime charts from the 18th century preserved on parchment, documenting the sea routes around the island. These old documents reveal how sailors once mapped these waters and explored the region.
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