The Museu Oceanográfico de Cabedelo (Ocean Museum of Cabedelo) is located in Cabedelo, João Pessoa, Brazil. Cabedelo is the port city of the larger metropolis of João Pessoa. It sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, providing access to ships and controlling shipping since the city began in the 16th century. This is the farthest port city in the northeast of Brazil. It is place contested by the Dutch and the Portuguese.
It was settled by the latter and taken by the former. The port changed hands during several battles. There was also whaling off the coasts. Ships set in here at Cabeldo. Those who brought goods and other treasures to Cabeldo also came to roost in the waters of this city. Yet, there were many boats that did not make it through safely.
The Museu is home to a small collection of natuical objects. It also houses the remains of the once proud whaling past of the region. Furthermore, on site, you can see the remains of many ships who never made it to port. They sunk in the waters around the harbor. The ships and the artifacts portray a picture of the area’s past as a seafaring dependent region. It is situated in an apt structure.
You can visit it when you go to the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina in Cabedelo. The Fortress dates from the 16th century. The 1589 design is by Cristóvão Lins. Between 1618 and 1622, it was reconstructed by Francisco Frias. In fact, the entire building has been rebuilt or reconstituted 5 times over its history. After a tour of the Museu Oceanográfico de Cabedelo, spend some time learning about the history of the Forteza.
