Step aboard the Don Fernando II e Glória, a majestic wooden-hulled frigate steeped in history and maritime grandeur. Nestled along the southern margin of the Tagus River in Cacilhas, Almada, Portugal, this remarkable vessel offers visitors a unique glimpse into the golden age of Portuguese naval prowess and exploration.
The story of Don Fernando II e Glória begins in the early 19th century, amidst the lush teak forests of Nagar-Aveli in Portuguese India. Conceived by the Intendant of the Royal Navy of Goa, Cândido José Mourão Garcez Palha, the frigate was envisioned as a testament to Portugal's enduring maritime legacy. Authorized by King João VI in 1824, the ship's construction faced numerous delays due to political and economic turmoil, only to be launched in 1843 and towed to Goa for fitting out.
Named in honor of King Ferdinand II of Portugal and Our Lady of Glory, the frigate was a marvel of naval engineering. With spacious accommodations designed for long voyages, it was built to withstand the rigors of the Carreira da Índia, the legendary India Run that connected Portugal to its colonies in India.
The maiden voyage of Don Fernando II e Glória took place between February and July 1845, under the command of Captain Torcato José Marques. With a crew of 145 men, the frigate sailed from Goa to Lisbon, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Over the years, the ship undertook various missions, from transporting military units and settlers to ferrying colonial administrators and even exiled convicts to the far reaches of the Portuguese Empire.
One of the most poignant moments in the frigate's history occurred in 1852 when it transported the Empress consort of Brazil, Amélie of Leuchtenberg, and her ailing daughter, Princess Maria Amélia of Brazil, to the island of Madeira. Despite the princess's hopes of recovery, she succumbed to tuberculosis five months later.
The frigate also played a crucial role in the exploration and colonization of Africa. In 1854, it transported the Portuguese explorer António da Silva Porto and his expedition members to Angola after their monumental journey across the continent. The ship's participation in the colonization of Huíla, Angola, in 1860, further cemented its place in history.
In 1865, Don Fernando II e Glória transitioned from a warship to a training ship, replacing the Vasco da Gama as the Artillery School of the Portuguese Navy. For the next 75 years, it served as a floating classroom, training generations of naval cadets. The ship's final sea voyage took place in 1878, rescuing the crew of the American barque Lawrence Boston off the Azores before returning to Lisbon.
Despite its illustrious service, the frigate faced a tragic turn of events in 1963. A devastating fire broke out during repair work, severely damaging the ship's hull and structure. For nearly three decades, the charred remains of Don Fernando II e Glória lay abandoned in the mud-flats of the Tagus River, a somber reminder of its former glory.
In 1990, the Portuguese Navy and the National Commission for the Commemoration of the Portuguese Discoveries embarked on an ambitious project to restore the frigate to its 1850s splendor. Led by Rear Admiral Francisco de Figueiredo e Silva Cunha Salvado, the restoration effort garnered widespread public and private support. By 1998, Don Fernando II e Glória was reinstated as an Auxiliary Navy Unit and delivered to the Navy Museum.
The ship's restoration was celebrated internationally, earning the International Maritime Heritage Award from the World Ship Trust. Recognized as one of the most astonishing historic ship preservation achievements, Don Fernando II e Glória stands as the fourth oldest armed frigate and the eighth oldest sailing warship in the world.
Today, the Don Fernando II e Glória is a captivating museum ship, offering visitors an immersive journey through Portugal's maritime history. As you step aboard, you'll be transported back in time, exploring the ship's meticulously restored decks and cabins. From the captain's quarters to the artillery deck, every corner of the frigate tells a story of adventure, exploration, and resilience.
Marvel at the ship's impressive masts and rigging, and imagine the sight of its sails billowing in the wind as it traversed the high seas. Learn about the lives of the sailors who called this ship home, their daily routines, and the challenges they faced on their long voyages. The ship's spacious accommodations, once a haven for weary travelers, now serve as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders.
Don Fernando II e Glória is not just a relic of the past; it is a living monument to Portugal's indomitable spirit and enduring connection to the sea. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a maritime aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this magnificent frigate is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Portugal's naval heritage.
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