Galeota Real, Historic royal barge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Galeota Real is a wooden rowing vessel that once served the Portuguese royal family. The boat features a velvet-decorated cabin at the stern and approximately 30 rowing stations positioned across its deck for the crew.
The vessel was built in 1808 at a shipyard in Salvador and transported the Portuguese royal family during their stay in Brazil that lasted over a decade. After that period ended, the boat was preserved as an important piece of naval history.
The bow carries a dragon figurehead that represented the Portuguese royal house and remains visible to visitors today. This type of decoration was typical of royal vessels and shows how maritime traditions reflected royal power.
The vessel is located at the Naval Cultural Space in Rio's historic center and can be examined by visitors. It is easily accessible when you are exploring other historical sites in this area.
The boat's crew came from experienced rowers who were specially recruited from a region in southern Portugal and known for their maritime skills. These specialists played a key role in ensuring a smooth journey for the royal family across the Atlantic.
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