1714 Old Port Tour
Starting on 24 May, a cruise on board Las Golondrinas makes Barcelona come alive from a maritime perspective
What must Barcelona look like from the sea? The small port of Barcelona, now known as Port Vell, was a fundamental enclave for the defence of the city: not only was it a bastion against naval attack, it was also the entry point for supplies coming from the Mediterranean.
Now, a tour around Port Vell revives the events of 1714 from a maritime viewpoint: from the port and from a boat, amid the waves. During the hour-long tour, visitors will retrace the ancient route followed by Catalan and Mallorcan sailors in their efforts to break the Borbon naval siege of 1714.
The "golondrinas", which make reference to a Cuban bird similar to European seagulls, will be the vessels charged with the task of ensuring a smooth voyage. As the tour unfolds it will be possible to see such emblematic Barcelona monuments and places as the Castle of Montjuïc, which played a pivotal role in the 1714 war. There will also be an overview of the historical and geographical changes that have taken place over the last 300 years.
The tour is organised jointly by Las Golondrinas, the Museu d'Història de Catalunya (Catalonia History Museum) and the Museu Marítim de Barcelona (Barcelona Maritime Museum), and enjoys the expert input of Agustí Alcoberro, Magda Fernández (UB – University of Barcelona) and Mercè Tatjer Mir (UB – University of Barcelona).
The visits will take place between 24 May and 26 July, and subsequently from 6 September to 29 November on Saturdays at 11:00. The price for adults is €10 and €5 for children (aged 4-10). For more information, please visit the Las Golondrinas website.