Skip to content

Crowds flock to replica 17th Century Spanish galleon

Lauren HirstNorth West
Jason Marcus An aerial view of the 160ft (48m) galleon which has six decks. Made from iroko and pine, its seven sails measure nearly 1,000 square metres. There are crowds of people surrounding the ship as it is moored at Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock.Jason Marcus
The Galeón Andalucia arrived in Liverpool on Thursday

Crowds of people have flocked to Liverpool's waterfront to catch a glimpse of a replica 17th Century Spanish galleon.

The Galeón Andalucia is a reproduction of the kind of vessel used for maritime expeditions in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

It arrived at the Royal Albert Dock on Thursday and is open to visitors until 5 October.

The 160ft (48m) ship's interior has been fitted out as a floating museum dedicated to the golden age of sail.

Jason Marcus An aerial view of the 160ft (48m) galleon which has six decks. Made from iroko and pine, its seven sails measure nearly 1,000 square metres.Jason Marcus
The ship is a unique example of the type of trading and fighting vessels used by the Spanish

Visitors will be able to find out about what life was like on board thanks to interactive presentations and exhibits, displays, videos, historical documents and demonstrations by costume-wearing crew members.

Ships like the Galeón Andalucia established trade routes between Spain, the Americas and the Philippines.

The full-size replica vessel, which tours the globe, took four years and 10 months to create, including a 16-month construction period.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.