Les Reials Drassanes, Barcelona | Credit: Enfo/Wikimedia

Barcelona Royal Shipyard

Barcelona, Espanha

The Drassanes Reials de Barcelona, or Barcelona Royal Shipyard, is a shipyard and former military building in Gothic style found in the Port Vell area of Barcelona; it now houses the Barcelona Maritime Museum. Construction started during the 13th century under the rule of Peter III of Aragon. The excavations taking place during 2012 show that, late in the 16th century, a new building was constructed on top of the old medieval dockyard, giving the building its actual structure. The current excavations have also uncovered an old Roman graveyard. The shipyard is undergoing renovation works, which will continue through late 2012.

The Museum is still holding expositions, but is being modernized and will be fully reopened in 2014.