Replica Spanish Galleon Draws Large Crowds

Liverpool’s waterfront has become a magnet for maritime enthusiasts as crowds gather to see a striking full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon.

The Galeón Andalucia, a 160ft (48m) vessel built from iroko and pine, sailed into the Royal Albert Dock on Thursday and will remain open to visitors until 5 October. With six decks and seven sails spanning nearly 1,000 square metres, the ship is both a spectacle and a lesson in naval history.

Inside, the galleon has been transformed into a floating museum that explores the golden age of sail. Visitors can step back in time through interactive displays, historical documents, films, and demonstrations from crew members dressed in period costume.

Vessels of this kind once connected Spain with the Americas and the Philippines, serving as both trading ships and armed escorts. The Galeón Andalucia, which now tours ports around the world, was nearly five years in the making, with 16 months dedicated to its construction.

Organisers say the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the scale and atmosphere of the ships that shaped centuries of global exploration and commerce.