Pinzonian Route

The Pinzonian Route in Baiona is a journey that allows visitors to learn about the emblematic places related to the history of the discovery of America and the participation of Martín Alonso Pinzón in this historical event. Martín Alonso Pinzón, born in Palos de la Frontera, played a fundamental role in Cristóbal Colón's first voyage to the New World in 1492, as captain of the caravel La Pinta. Coming from a wealthy family of sailors, Martín Alonso was the older brother of the Pinzón brothers and also the charterer of the caravels La Niña and La Pinta. 

On March 1, 1493, the caravel Pinta, under the command of Martín Alonso Pinzón and with Cristóbal García Sarmiento as pilot, arrived at the port of Baiona, which made the town the first European port to receive the news of the discovery of unknown lands: America. 

Approximate duration of the route: 45 minutes

By following this route, visitors can discover the following places:

House of Navigation / Casa Carvajal 

Located on Ventura Misa Street, this house was built in the 18th century and now houses the Museum of Navigation and History of Baiona. Inside, visitors can find exhibits about Baiona's maritime history and the great transatlantic navigations.

The House of Navigation presents on its ground floor the history of the arrival of the caravel Pinta to Baiona, under the command of Martín Alonso Pinzón, and the importance of the port in Atlantic trade from two centuries earlier. It offers an immersive virtual visit to the caravel Pinta, accessible to individuals with mobility issues and to the general public. The first floor addresses the relationship of Baiona with the sea since the 16th century, including maritime trade, territorial expansion during the reign of Philip II, technical aspects of ancient navigation, and numerous remains of sunken ships along the coast, as well as a section dedicated to fishing in the 20th century that solidified Baiona as an important fishing port.

Monolith of the Arribada

Erected in 1965 by order of the Institute of Hispanic Culture, it commemorates the arrival of the Caravel Pinta. This imposing structure consists of a twenty-ton rock, located in Pedro de Castro Square, which features a sculpture of a caravel carved on its front by the talented Baiona artist Ángel Fernández. In addition, the rock is adorned with a bronze plaque that bears an inscription referring to the historical date.

Replica of the Caravel Pinta

Located in the port of Baiona, this replica of the caravel Pinta, built in 1993, allows visitors to imagine what the vessel involved in the discovery of America was like. It houses a small museum inside where we can appreciate the way of life on the ship during those long voyages.

Tiles of the Arrival

Located on the arches of the promenade of the Ribeira, the Tiles of the Arrival in Baiona is a magnificent composition made up of 180 tiles of 30 centimeters each. This mural represents the routes navigated by Martín Alonso Pinzón and Cristóbal Colón on their return from the "discovery of America". Each tile reflects the paths taken by the caravels Pinta and Niña, which led Pinzón and Colón to Baiona and Lisbon, respectively.

Well of the Water

Also located on the Promenade of the River, next to the tile. Tradition has it that the crew members who arrived in Baiona on the Caravel Pinta, after discovering the New World, filled the barrels with water from this well for consumption during the journey from Baiona to Palos de la Frontera.

Monument Encounter Between Two Worlds 

Between the Palma Park and the Monterreal wall, this monument commemorates the meeting between America and Europe and pays tribute to the navigators who made this historical event possible. It is located very close to the place where the first native who died on the Old Continent was buried. It was inaugurated in 1993 during the commemorative events of the 5th centenary of the arrival of La Pinta in Baiona. It is the work of the Galician sculptor Magín Picallo.

Statue of Pinzón

Located on the Pinzón promenade, next to Palma Park, this statue commemorates the arrival of the caravel La Pinta in Baiona with the news of the discovery of America. It was a gift from Palos de la Frontera and was inaugurated in 1977, coinciding with the twinning of Baiona and the Andalusian town. It is the work of the sculptor A. León Ortega.

Every year, during the first weekend of March, Baiona celebrates the Festival of the Arrival. This festival, classified as an international tourist interest event, transforms the town into a medieval village for a few days, bringing residents and visitors closer to the history of this locality and its connection to the "discovery of America".