A Spanish replica of a 17th century galleon sailed into Yilan County’s Wushi Harbor in northeastern Taiwan Sept. 21, a reminder of the countries’ shared past and a sign of expanding bilateral cultural exchanges.
“We welcome Galeon Andalucia wholeheartedly,” Yilan County Magistrate Lin Tsung-hsien said. “The vessel will help locals imagine the age of great discovery.”
Lin made the remarks during an early-morning welcoming ceremony for the ship organized by Yilan County government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau.
According to bureau Director Zheng Wen-tang, Taiwan and Spain share historical ties dating back to 1624 when the Europeans sighted the island during an expedition to Japan.
“The Spanish arrived in Yilan’s Su-ao area and named its coast Santa Catalina,” he said. “This is documented in the local archives.”
The galleon, which is 51 meters long and 40 meters high, boasts six decks, three masts and seven sails. Constructed by Seville-based Nao Victoria Foundation, the vessel is representative of those that plied the trade routes between Spain and the Americas three centuries ago.
Prior to berthing in Yilan, the ship visited Malta, Israel, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Singapore before appearing at the Shanghai Expo in mainland China. It was expected to arrive in the county last weekend, but was caught by Typhoon Fanapi and forced to shelter in Keelung Harbor.
The vessel is open to the public between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 21 to 22. In addition, an age of discovery exhibition examining Taiwan’s position during this period is being held at the Wushi Harbor Visitor Center.
Galeon Andalucia will set sail for Hong Kong Sept. 23 before returning to Spain. (JSM)