Nao Santa María replica arrives in Vigo for Columbus anniversary

A replica of the Nao Santa María has arrived in Vigo, Spain, to mark the 534th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. The vessel, a faithful reconstruction built in 2018, is docked at Pantalán Portocultura and is scheduled to remain in the city until October 25, provided there are no changes to the plan.

Organizers describe the ship as a traveling ambassador for naval history, cultural heritage, and tourism for the province of Huelva. Visitors can explore the deck, hold, and various interior spaces of the ship, which recreates the model used during the historic expeditions that altered global cartography. The ship is open to the public daily from 10:00 to 20:00.

The arrival coincides with ongoing historical debates regarding the legacy of October 12, with various perspectives ranging from the celebration of a transformative global event to critiques centered on the impact on indigenous populations and the historical narratives used by political leaders in the Americas.