Frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória Cacilhas

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Almada > Cacilhas > Quinta da Alegria

Location

The Frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória is docked in Cacilhas, an emblematic riverside locality in the municipality of Almada, within the district of Setúbal. Its position, on the south bank of the Tagus estuary, offers a unique setting, where the ship stands out against the backdrop of the river and the city of Lisbon, visible on the opposite bank.

More specifically, the frigate is situated at the Cais do Ginjal, in Cacilhas, a historic point with a strong connection to maritime activity and shipbuilding that once characterized this area, offering a singular riverside ambiance.

History and Maritime Legacy

The Frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória is a living testament to 19th-century naval engineering and Portugal's rich maritime history. Built in 1843 at the Damão Naval Shipyards, in the then Portuguese India, this imposing wooden sailing frigate was the last of its kind to be constructed for the Portuguese Navy. Throughout its service, it played a crucial role in transporting troops and passengers, connecting continental Portugal with its overseas territories, and served as a school ship for training naval cadets, covering countless miles across the oceans.

Its trajectory was marked by a devastating fire in 1963, which left it submerged and damaged. However, after a remarkable recovery and restoration effort, the frigate was returned to its original splendor, becoming a symbol of resilience and the preservation of Portuguese naval heritage, and a valuable floating museum that perpetuates the memory of sailing navigation.

Life Aboard and Naval Architecture

Upon visiting the Frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória, visitors are invited to explore its various decks and discover the complexity of life aboard a 19th-century warship. The robust wooden construction is a remarkable example of the naval art of the era, with the structure and details meticulously restored to reflect its original configuration.

It is possible to observe the artillery that protected the ship, the spaces designated for the crew and officers, the navigation instruments, and the mechanisms that enabled the operation of this impressive sailing machine. The visit offers a unique perspective on the daily lives of sailors, the challenges of long voyages, and the strategic importance of these ships in Portugal's defense and maritime transport.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Fernando_II_e_Glória_(UAM203)

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt