The Nao Victoria at Ostend At Anchor

This is a replica of the ship which first sailed around the world, enduring the greatest maritime feat of all times. The original Nao Victoria, commanded by Juan Sebastian Elcano, left Seville in 1519 and returned to the same city in 1522.

This replica was built in Spain in 1991. Previously, a long process of historical research was carried out, directed by Ignacio Fernández Vial, the ship’s designer and builder, to design the shape of the ship and define its characteristics. An exhaustive study, based on documentary sources, chronicles, nautical treaties from the 16th century and iconography of the era, allowed accurate reproduction of the original ship’s main dimensions, spars, sails, and equipment.

By the way, these types of ships were drawn in detailed ship prints by Pieter Breugel the old since the 16the century.

The Nao Victoria will dock at the Mercator dock and be open to the general public free of charge. In addition, given the theme “Discoveries At Sea”, you will also discover the history of Magellan and his journey around the world.