The museum offers a tour of the different hypotheses that support Columbus’ Galician origin, from the first works of Celso García de la Riega in the late 19th century to the most recent studies. The main arguments are the Galician toponymy used in the geography of the discovery; the language used by Columbus in his writings, with abundant turns typical of southern Galicia; and the presence of the surnames Colón and Fonterosa (maternal surname) in the lands of Pontevedra at the time.
The complex is configured around 3 buildings: two old renovated houses, linked to the Columbus family and identified as the navigator’s birthplace, and a newly created construction. The museum space, also known as A Casa da Cruz, hosts a permanent exhibition where extensive information about the figure of the navigator is offered through screens, models, bibliography, and videos.
A Nautical Chart from 1500
The house museum has a replica of the Santa María ship, and the documentary “Pontevedra, cuna de Colón”, made in 1927 by filmmaker Enrique Barreiro with a pioneering coloring technique, cinecromo, is also exhibited. However, without a doubt, the most outstanding piece is a life-size replica (93 by 183 centimeters) of the nautical chart drawn in the year 1500 by the navigator Juan de La Cosa.
A Museum in a Network
The Columbus House Museum is integrated into the Network of Red de Espacios Museísticos Atlánticos (REMA), specializing in content related to maritime culture, together with 34 other Galician and Portuguese centers (https://www.redrema.eu/museo-casa-colon-poio-2/).
To expand information on the contents and the theory of Columbus of Poio, visit the blog of the House Museum.
Museum Hours and Services
Plaza de Cristóbal Colón, S/N. Portosanto. 36163 San Salvador de Poio. C8JR+3Q Poio
HOURS:
From 06/24, Tuesday to Friday from 9:45 AM to 2:30 PM. Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Sundays and Mondays: closed.
Telephones: 986 187 172 /986 833 204/Tel. 986 770 001 ext. 1314
Email: museocolon@concellopoio.gal
Social networks:
Facebook @CasamuseoCristobalColon
Instagram @museocolonpoio
Twitter @MuseoColon
