Maritime Museum of Barcelona, Medieval maritime museum in Port Vell, Spain
The Museo Marítimo occupies a Gothic-style building that once served as Barcelona's royal shipyard and manufacturing center. Inside, the collections feature historic vessels, navigational tools, and seafaring objects arranged throughout multiple rooms.
The royal shipyard was established in the 13th century under Peter III and remained Barcelona's main naval construction center for hundreds of years. Over time it ceased shipbuilding operations, though the building was preserved and later transformed into a museum.
The replica galley on display represents a vessel that served as the flagship of a major naval commander in a 16th-century Mediterranean battle. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship and details of this full-scale reconstruction, which reflects the naval ambitions of the region during that period.
The museum sits in the Port Vell harbor area and is easy to reach from the city center, with wheelchair access available throughout. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to move between the different exhibition spaces at a leisurely pace.
Beneath the building lies a Roman burial ground that was uncovered during archaeological work in 2012. This hidden layer below the structure reveals that the site held importance in the city since ancient times.
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