Bristol Harbour welcomed a spectacular sight on July 18 as the Galeón Andalucía, a full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, arrived for its first-ever visit to the city.
Joe Houghton, a member of the Vale of Glamorgan Camera Club, captured a stunning image of the ship as it passed by, admired in local photography groups.
The ship, a floating museum of maritime history, is docked at Bristol harbour until July 27 as part of its grand 2025 European tour.
Crafted with meticulous historical accuracy, the Galeón Andalucía spans 55 metres in length and features six decks made from iroko and pine wood. With seven sails and nearly 1,000 square metres of sail area, the ship is a striking tribute to the vessels that once connected continents during the Age of Exploration.
Galeón Andalucía spotted in Bristol (Image: sailtraininginternational.org)
Visitors to the ship can explore its five accessible decks, where they’ll find interactive exhibits, historical displays, and the chance to meet the ship’s crew many of whom live aboard and sail with it across the globe. The experience offers a vivid glimpse into the life of 16th to 18th-century sailors who navigated the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific routes from the Andalusian coast.
The Galeón Andalucía has already sailed over 100,000 nautical miles, visiting ports on four continents including London, New York, Shanghai, and Quebec. Its stop in Bristol is part of a wider tour that includes visits to ports in Spain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, before it crosses the Atlantic later this year to begin its American leg.
Open daily from 10am to 8:30pm, the ship is a highlight of the Bristol Harbour Festival and offers a unique educational experience for families, history enthusiasts, and maritime fans alike. Tickets are available online or at the harbour, with special rates for children and families.