The Sanlúcar de Barrameda Circumnavigation Tour will allow you to discover the most important monuments that were especially important in the first round-the-world trip. We propose a walk through the main places that commemorate those men who sailed for 3 years.
The Sanlúcar de Barrameda Circumnavigation Tour will allow you to discover the most important monuments that were especially important in the first round-the-world trip.
The first round the world in Sanlucar de Barrameda
During the 16th century, the beaches and the port of Sanlúcar were the main characters of the departures and arrivals of the navies and fleets that were going to and from the New World.
The Port of Seville was at that time the only one authorised for the departure and arrival of ships on overseas trips. This made it possible for Sanlúcar to play a fundamental role in these trips, since it was better prepared to receive such ships. This avoided the complicated road to Seville through the river.
Another reason was its belonging to the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, who were responsible for the preparation and dispatch of the fleets.
In September 1519, five ships departed from the port of Sanlúcar towards the Canary Islands under the command of Ferdinand Magellan. Magellan began the first stage of a trip in which, for the first time, the circumnavigation of the globe would take place. In this way, the sphericity of the Earth would be demonstrated.
The main objective of this trip was to reach the Moluccas, those islands where spices were produced. They intended to arrive from the West and take that monopoly from the Portuguese, who arrived at that destination from the East.
The expedition consisted of 265 people of various nationalities. In this adventure, Magellan discovered the Strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. Today, it is called “The Strait of Magellan.”
The adventure lasted 3 years: from 1519 to 1522. The only ship that survived was “La Victoria”. Only 18 crew members had survived, in an unfortunate state after such a long trip.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda Circumnavigation Tour
After this brief introduction, we propose a walk through the main places that commemorate those men.
Following the tour already organised, the first three monuments are located in Playa Bajo de Guía beach. These are the Equatorial Clock “Legua cero”, which commemorates the starting point; the “zero league” of the expedition. With Ferdinand Magellan in charge, he would start the world tour from Sanlúcar.
The next monument is Nuestra Señora de Guía, which is kept in the Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Carmen Chapel in Bajo de Guía.
The last one in this area is the “Victoria” ship, located on the top floor of the old ice factory. It is a model made on a smaller scale than the original.
Going into Sanlucar city centre, we find tiles commemorating the first round-the-world trip. They are placed on the side facade of the Municipal Public Library.
Next, the Iglesia de la Trinidad Church. It is the first temple built in the Barrio Bajo (“Lower District”) of the city.
On Regina Street we find the Regina Coeli convent, founded the same year after the departure of the Magellan-Elcano expedition. Then, the Church of San Jorge appears.
To the right, the Church of Santo Domingo. In that same corner, the San Nicolás Parish.
The next one is the Castle of Santiago, which was formerly in one of the angles of the walled city. Its presence dominated the mouth of the Guadalquivir River.
Later, the stone altarpiece of the first round-the-world trip. It represents Juan Sebastián Elcano with the sailors who returned to Sanlúcar. The figure of Magellan is at the top.
The Nuestra Señora de la O Parish Church was the temple to which the sailors went after their landing to give thanks for having returned alive. Next, the Palacio de los Guzmanes.
The Sacred Art Exhibition is the next thing you find, located inside the Convento de las Carmelitas Descalzas.
Before finishing the tour, walk by the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad and, finally, the Capuchin Convent.
You must do this tour, as it is a unique opportunity to enjoy the culture in Sanlúcar and understand its history.
Finally, we recommend that you make some stops during the tour to enjoy its restaurants and bars where you can eat their famous fish, stews and seafood. We also advise you to look for accommodation in the city. You will have more time to enjoy these tours, practise active tourism activities, visit the Natural Park or some of its famous wineries.