Crowds flock to replica 17th Century Spanish galleon

The Galeón Andalucia arrived in Liverpool on Thursday

Crowds of people have flocked to Liverpool's waterfront to catch a glimpse of a replica 17th Century Spanish galleon.

The Galeón Andalucia is a reproduction of the kind of vessel used for maritime expeditions in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

It arrived at the Royal Albert Dock on Thursday and is open to visitors until 5 October.

The 160ft (48m) ship's interior has been fitted out as a floating museum dedicated to the golden age of sail.

The ship is a unique example of the type of trading and fighting vessels used by the Spanish

Visitors will be able to find out about what life was like on board thanks to interactive presentations and exhibits, displays, videos, historical documents and demonstrations by costume-wearing crew members.

Ships like the Galeón Andalucia established trade routes between Spain, the Americas and the Philippines.

The full-size replica vessel, which tours the globe, took four years and 10 months to create, including a 16-month construction period.