Gian Andrea Doria and his Real: Mediterranean Hegemony, Shipbuilding Complexities, and the Construction of the New Spanish Flagship Galley (1586–89)

In 1584, Gian Andrea Doria took command of the Spanish Monarchy’s Mediterranean fleet, leading aboard the Real, a galley unmatched in size and symbolic significance. This royal galley, built at the Royal Shipyard of Barcelona, embodied Spain’s maritime hegemony and served as the Christian flagship in the Western Mediterranean. This article examines the challenges and technical complexities involved in its construction, shedding light on early modern shipbuilding practices. Drawing on rich historical sources, it offers fresh perspectives on these iconic Mediterranean vessels, emphasizing their symbolic and strategic roles beyond warfare during their golden age.