Wharf of the Caravels facts for kids
| Muelle de las Carabelas | |
Replicas of the Pinta, Niña, and Santa María at the Wharf.
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| Established | 15 March 1994 |
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| Location | Palos de la Frontera, Spain |
| Type | Public |
| Visitors | 200,000 (2008) |
The Wharf of the Caravels (in Spanish: Muelle de las Carabelas) is an exciting museum located in Palos de la Frontera, a town in the province of Huelva, Spain. This museum is most famous for its amazing life-size copies of Christopher Columbus's ships. These were the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. These ships were used for his very first trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas in 1492.
The replica ships were built between 1990 and 1992. They were made for a big celebration in 1992. This event marked 500 years since Columbus's famous journey. After being built, the ships even sailed the same route Columbus took! The museum is managed by the government of Huelva province. It covers a large area, about 11,500 square meters (123,785 square feet).
Contents
History of the Caravels Museum
In 1992, there were many celebrations around the world. These events marked 500 years since Columbus's voyage. In Spain, new copies of his ships were launched. These were the boats Columbus and his crew used. Many sailors from the Huelva region, like the Pinzón Brothers and the Niño Brothers, were part of this journey. Their voyage is often seen as the moment Europeans first discovered the Americas.
These three replica ships were a big part of the Seville Expo '92. They were also shown in many exhibitions across Europe and the Americas. The ships were even used in the movie 1492: Conquest of Paradise. After all these uses, the government of Andalusia bought the replicas. They were part of a project called "Andalucía 92."
A key part of this project was building the Wharf of the Caravels. It was built near La Rábida Monastery in Palos de la Frontera. This area is important because it's where Columbus prepared for his first voyage. The museum opened in 1994 and has been managed by the Huelva province government ever since.
The Wharf of the Caravels has been open to everyone since 1994. More and more people visit it each year. In 2007, almost 200,000 people came to see it. That's about 550 visitors every single day! It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Andalusia. August is usually the busiest month for visitors.
What Can You See at the Museum?
The museum has several exciting parts to explore. You can learn about life in the 15th century. You can also see the famous ships and even walk through a recreated old town.
The Interpretive Center
The Interpretive Center is a building full of interesting displays. It shows what life was like in the 1400s. You can also see things related to Columbus's journey. There are copies of old maps, weapons, and important agreements. These include the Treaty of Tordesillas and the Treaty of Alcáçovas.
Upstairs, there's an exhibit of Pre-Columbian art. This art was made by people living in the Americas before Columbus arrived. One cool part is a 30-minute video. It tells the story of the voyage from the point of view of the sailors.
The Famous Ship Replicas
The main attraction at the museum is the three replica ships. These are the Pinta, Niña, and Santa María. They were built in a fishing port called Isla Cristina. Building these ships was the main reason the Wharf of the Caravels was created.
The ships are now docked in a special semicircular area. Visitors can go inside and explore each ship! You can see their cargo areas and cabins up close. The copies are very accurate to the original ships. However, the Pinta has one small change. It has a staircase to the cargo hold to make it easier and safer for visitors. The Niña's cargo hold cannot be visited. This is because its design is very true to history, and it would not be safe for the public to enter. On the larger Santa María, you can see Columbus's cabin. Sometimes, an actor dressed as a scribe (a writer) is there. You can also go down into the ship's lower parts.
The Medieval Neighborhood
Near the ships, you'll find the Barrio Medieval. This is a recreated medieval port neighborhood. It shows what daily life was like for ordinary people around the time of Columbus's voyage. You can see a market, a pottery workshop, and many carts. There's even a recreated tavern where you can buy food and drinks. This area is a general idea of what the old port of Palos de la Frontera might have looked like.
Many items in the market, like pottery, ironwork, and things made from esparto fiber, show what goods might have been carried on the ships.
The Island of Encounter
The Isla del Encuentro (which means "Island of the Encounter") tries to show what Columbus's crew saw when they first landed in the Americas. This was on an island called Guanahani. The museum has tried to show the culture of the native people who lived there.
On one side, there's a small cottage with wood frames and reed walls. On the other side, statues show people doing everyday things. These include fishing or cooking. You can also see various objects they used daily. There are even copies of animals found in the Caribbean, like tortoises, parrots, and different kinds of fish.
The Museum as a Film Set
The Wharf of the Caravels is a great place for movies. The replica ships and the museum's setting have been used in several films. These movies are usually about Columbus's voyage. Director Vicente Aranda used the museum for two of his films: Mad Love and Tirant lo Blanc.
In 2003, a Spanish folk metal band called Mägo de Oz used the museum for a photo shoot. They were taking pictures for their album Gaia. In the photos, they dressed up as pirates!
Many special events are also held at the museum. These often celebrate important dates related to Columbus's journey. For example, events happen on August 3 (when Columbus left), March 15 (when he returned), and October 12 (when he landed in the Americas). The museum is open all year, so it can host many different kinds of events.
See also
In Spanish: Muelle de las Carabelas para niños
