The Gil Eannes Hospital Ship, built in Viana do Castelo in 1955, supported the Portuguese cod fleet operating on the Newfoundland and Greenland banks for decades.
When the cod fleet was decommissioned, it was left to rot in the Lisbon docks for years. On 31 January 1998, it was given a festive welcome in Foz do Lima, where, after being cleaned and restored, it was opened to the public on 19 August 1998, becoming a centre of attraction for Viana do Castelo.
Ever since the Gil Eannes Ship was put on display in the old commercial dock in Viana do Castelo, the Gil Eannes Foundation has aimed to transform the Gil Eannes into a museum space, thus contributing to cultural, tourist and scientific development, especially in areas related to the sea.
Over the years, various rehabilitation and restoration works have been carried out, providing visitors with contact with the ship’s various characteristic spaces, such as the:
- Control bridge;
- Engine room;
- Kitchen;
- Bakery;
- Various cabins;
- Spaces that make up the hospital area (the doctor’s office, treatment room, radiology office, wards and operating theatre).
Visitors can learn a little about the history of the hospital ship and cod fishing in the seas around Newfoundland and Greenland.
