What will almost everyone remember when it comes to the history of Spain? Probably the campaign of Columbus, who was heading to India and accidentally discovered America. However, there are many other exciting pages in the history of Spanish navigation. For those who are interested in the development of shipbuilding or love books and films about pirates, we recommend visiting the Maritime Museum in Barcelona with children. It is located in the buildings of the Royal Shipyards built in the 13th century. And the city's most famous street, the Rambla, leads to it.
The Museu Maritim de Barcelona opened in 1936. You can wander around all day, moving from life-size vintage ships to electronic displays telling you about types of boats. Small models are side by side with full-size replicas of famous ships. For example, the Real Haler, the flagship of Don Juan of Austria at the Battle of Lepanto, is on display here. The sumptuously decorated ship had a paddling course in addition to its sails. Looking at the wax figures of the sailors sitting on the oars, it's easy to imagine their backbreaking work.
Outside the museum is a replica of the Ictíneo I, one of the first submarines. Prominent among the models is Fernand Magellan's ship, on which he made the world's first circumnavigation of the globe.
It's interesting to look inside an old sailing ship, to see the captain's cabin and the sailor's cabin. How did the sailors get on with their lives? What did they need to take on board for a successful voyage? How was life on board organised? Who controlled the sails? What goods were delivered by sea? Answers to these questions are easy to find in the museum halls. You'll also find nautical maps, including an atlas by Amerigo Vespucci made in the late 15th century. The Barcelona Maritime Museum has an exhibition of telescopes and navigational instruments, bow figures of ships, diving equipment and other things seafarers can't do without.
The schooner Santa Eulàlia, built in 1919, is moored near the museum. You can buy a separate ticket for a guided tour or climb aboard as a voyager; on Saturdays, the Santa Eulàlia goes on a short voyage.
Periodically, the Maritime Museum holds themed exhibitions and workshops, including one for children. Take a virtual dive into the depths of the sea and learn how to make a light boat from whatever materials you can find. Not far from the Maritime Museum is the Columbus Monument. There's an observation deck at the top of the monument's column.
