Maritime Way to Santiago in Portugal; Caravel Vera Cruz open to visits in the city of Viana do Castelo.
The Caravel Vera Cruz, which arrived yesterday, June 8, in Viana do Castelo, as part of the inaugural cruise of the “Caminho Marítimo de Santiago in Portugal”, will be open for free visits by schools and the general public this Wednesday and Thursday.
The cruise star arrived early yesterday afternoon and is available for visits today, June 9, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It is a unique opportunity to visit an exact replica of the old caravels used during the Portuguese expansion in the 15th and 11th centuries and get to know better the navigation techniques of the time, the commercial and exploration routes or life on board this type of vessel.
The crew of the cruise, a total of 150 participants, were received yesterday, on the terrace of the Municipal Library of Viana do Castelo, by representatives of various entities, and today they will have the opportunity to enjoy a program of activities prepared by the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Minho (CIM Alto Minho), in conjunction with the 10 municipalities of Alto Minho.
Photos by Bruno Rato
During its passage through Viana do Castelo, it will be moored at the commercial dock next to the Ship Gil Eannes, with the approximately 20 sailboats that are making this “maritime pilgrimage”, one of which is the Sailboat Octónias where the photojournalist from United Photo Press, Bruno Rato sails, with the crew: Rui Fitas, Bruno Bellino, Christian Antoniazzi and Antonio Osório.
It should be noted that the “Caminho Marítimo de Santiago in Portugal”, consisting of nine stages in Portugal, started in Vila Real de Santo António, on the 28th of May, with stops in Vilamoura, Lagos, Sines, Cascais, Peniche/ Nazaré, Ria de Aveiro, Leixões and, now, Viana do Castelo.
Tomorrow, it heads to Galicia, passing through Baiona, Vila Garcia de Arousa and Padrón. From Padrón, the route is made on foot to Santiago de Compostela, in a total of 12 km, with arrival scheduled for June 13th.
Carlos Alves de Sousa
Photos by Bruno Rato
United Photo Press
