This collection of royal barges was the main reason behind the construction of Barge Pavilion at the Maritime Museum. By observing these magnificent vessels, which are displayed in all their splendour, we can learn about the relationship that the Portuguese had with the sea.
These vessels appeared in Portugal in the second half of the 17th century, around 1666, when the first vessel of this type was built at Ribeira das Naus to welcome Princess Maria Francisca Isabel of Savoy.
The Maritime Museum keeps the oldest Portuguese vessel of this type preserved to this day – “Galeota Grande” or “Big Barge” -, which is on display at 'Pavilhão das Galeotas'. It was also built at Ribeira das Naus, in 1711, at the behest of King João V, for his exclusive use, and served at the wedding of the Prince of Brazil, future King José, with Princess Mariana Victoria of Spain.