A beautiful piece of maritime history, the Nao Santa Maria, arrived at the Barbican landing stage today. The full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous flagship from his 1492 voyage will be open to the public to explore until Sunday, 10th May.
Crafted in 2018 by the Nao Victoria Foundation to mark the 525th anniversary of the historic transatlantic voyage, the Nao Santa María is a 200-tonne wooden vessel, measuring 29 metres in length and 8 metres across.
Built by skilled shipwrights in Punta Umbría, Spain, using traditional techniques and materials like iroko and pine, the ship faithfully recreates the design of the original.
With four masts, five sails and five decks, the ship serves not only as a replica but also as an educational museum.
The ship was invited to the city by the Cattewater Harbour Plymouth Commissioners in association with Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.
She will be berthed alongside on the Barbican Landing Stage and be open to the public from Wednesday, 6th, until the 10th of May.
Visitors will get a rare chance to visit the floating museum and a self-guided tour of the four decks.
Tickets are available to book online: https://www.fundacionnaovictoria.org/nao-santa-maria/ or on the jetty at Commercial Wharf at the entrance to the Barbican Landing Stage (seen in our picture).
Organisers state dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions.
