Portugal
This ship was built in 1955 in the Viana shipyard and for many years served as a hospital ship to Portuguese fishermen on the cod banks Newfoundland. But in 1984 it was taken out of service and spent several years languishing in Lisbon harbour. In 1997 it was sold for scrap, but fortunately she was rescued in 1998 by the community of Viana and is now moored in the town's harbour, the property of the Gil Eannes Foundation. Repair work is ongoing but it is already open to the public for a very reasonable sum - a fascinating part of Portugal's maritime past. There is also a youth hostel in part of the hull.
Doca Comercial, 4900-321 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
+351 258 809 710
www.fundacaogileannes.pt/engine.php?cat=1
Google map: bit.ly/gXhNBb