Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Açores > Vila Franca do Campo > Vila Franca do Campo > São Miguel
The 1945 Whaleboat "Nossa Senhora de Fátima" is located in the village of Vila Franca do Campo, a key point on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. Situated in a municipality with a strong maritime tradition, the place where this historic vessel is preserved reflects the community's intimate connection to the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal surroundings of Vila Franca do Campo, marked by the presence of the sea, provide an ideal setting for understanding the life and activities that, for centuries, shaped the identity and sustenance of the Azorean populations.
Dating from 1945, the Whaleboat "Nossa Senhora de Fátima" is a material testament to a crucial era in the economic and social history of the Azores: traditional whaling. This vessel, specifically designed for the pursuit and capture of whales, is a remarkable example of naval construction of the time and the ingenuity required to face the conditions of the vast ocean. Its preservation allows visitors an immersion into the harsh reality and expertise of whalers, who with courage and skill, ensured the livelihood of many families on the island of São Miguel.
The name "Nossa Senhora de Fátima" given to this whaler is deeply significant, echoing the faith and devotion that accompanied the men of the sea on their perilous voyages. In a high-risk activity like whaling, divine protection was a common belief and a pillar of hope for those who ventured out to sea. Observing this vessel evokes not only technique and bravery but also intrinsic aspects of Azorean culture, where spirituality and respect for natural forces intertwined with the arduous daily life at sea.
The structure of the 1945 Whaleboat "Nossa Senhora de Fátima" reveals the details of naval construction adapted to its specific function. Each component of the vessel, from its hydrodynamic profile to the layout of the interior spaces, was designed to maximize efficiency in the hunt and the safety of the crew. Observing this whaler allows for an appreciation of the craftsmanship and empirical knowledge of the shipwrights who, with refined techniques, built robust and reliable boats capable of withstanding the weather and the demands of whaling.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.7158327,-25.4295291
Coordinates DMS: 37°42'57.0"N 25°25'46.3"W
Weather Vila Franca do Campo
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Franca do Campo
