Caravela Vera Cruz

The school ship is a replica of a vessel from the heyday of overseas expansion.

It’s a new caravel, faithfully recreated to show just how crazy the people must have been who sailed the open seas in the 16th century. It’s moored in the docks of Alcântara and is open for school classes to visit during weekdays, unless the sailing association is out on a training voyage. If you ask nicely, you don’t necessarily have to be part of a school group to visit. Even just looking at it from the pier helps you understand the immense courage required for overseas exploration, alongside the arrogance. It’s a brief detour, perfect for those on a Belém tour. However, the ship might be underway, perhaps off the coast of Sesimbra.