At the mouth of the bay of Pasaia, the Sea Factory of the Basques is a unique place where history comes alive. We give continuity to the great ship building tradition of Pasaia, making heritage alive for the future generations.
In this special place you can learn about the time when Basque shipbuilders played a leading role in Europe, about the first European ocean-crossing cargo ships or the life of whalers on board. Our premises comprehend a permanent exhibition, a
workshop and a shipyard where shipbuilders are constructing for the first time
worldwide an accurate replica of a 16th-century ship in front of the visitors. This
project has a very powerful meaning, as the original whaleship was built in the same port of Pasaia in 1563.
THE THREE AREAS OF THE FACTORY
1. EXHIBITION:
The contents of the exhibition are in four languages (Basque, Spanish, English and French), and you can get them in your android smartphone in 16 more languages via QR codes.
2. WORKSHOP
An open area where the public can witness the carpenters working on the pieces of the San Juan. In the spring of 2015 a ropemaker and a blacksmith will join the team, so the visitors can watch them making the ropes and the nails for the San Juan.
3. THE SHIPYARD
The place where the San Juan is getting shape, protected by a wooden building
expressly made to accomodate the whaleship. The building process is easy to
follow for the visitors, who can see the carpenters working on every step of the
whaleship.
PLANS TO COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE: come by boat, access to our pontoon, whaler's menu, we cook what you catch, rowing in tradicional boats, workshops for children, extra visits, etc.