Barcelona has the ability to transport us into the future with the Mobile World Congress and, just a few days later, throw us headlong into the 16th century without leaving the city. This week, the skyline of Port Fòrum has been transformed with the arrival of the Galeón Andalucía, an imposing replica of the Spanish ships that for three centuries charted the trade routes of their colonies, connecting Spain with America and the Philippines.
This is not just any reproduction. Building this wooden colossus required three years of research delving into historical archives and the work of 150 craftsmen who, for almost a year and a half, shaped its 49 meters in length and four masts. The result is a 500-ton floating museum that has already sailed the world’s great oceans, from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, emulating the exploits of the Spanish Armada.
An interactive experience among ropes and cannons
The visit does not remain on the surface. When you come on board, you have the opportunity to freely explore five of its decks, from the noble area to the areas where the sailors carried out their daily lives. The best part of the experience is that the ship is alive: the current crew, who live on board during voyages, are available to chat with visitors and explain what it’s really like to sail on a ship of this kind in 2026.
Throughout the tour, the galleon offers various interactive exhibits, videos, and original documents that help visitors understand the complexity of naval engineering at the time. It is, in essence, a unique opportunity to understand how those sailors felt as they spent months at sea surrounded by six sails and almost 1,000 square meters of sail area, facing storms and unknown routes.
Visiting hours and tickets
The Galeón Andalucía will remain in Port Fòrum only from March 11 to 15, as part of its European tour this year. Visits can be made continuously from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at €12 for adults and €6 for children between the ages of 5 and 10, although there is a family option for €30 that includes two adults and up to three children.
If you want to secure your place on this time machine, tickets are now available on the official Vela Cuadra website or can be purchased directly at the ticket office at the foot of the pier. A word of warning: the ship will set sail punctually on the 15th, so it’s best not to leave it to the last minute if you don’t want to watch its sails disappear from the shore.