Replicas of Christopher Columbus' ships the Nina and the Pinta will be in Chattanooga at the 21st Century Riverfront docks today through Nov. 2. Tours will be open to the public.
The Nina was built entirely by hand using tools of the day. It has been called by Archaeology magazine "the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built."
The Nina was used in the production of the film "1492," which was directed by Ridley Scott and starred Gerard Depardieu.
The Pinta was recently built in Brazil and now accompanies the Nina on all of her travels. Visitors can tour the ships and view a slide show of the ship's construction. The Pinta is also available for private parties while in Chattanooga.
The ships travel the world educating the public and schoolchildren on the "caravel," a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.
Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for students. Children 4 and under get in free. No reservations are necessary.
The ship will be available for 30-minute guided tours for school groups with a crew member today; Monday-Oct. 22; Oct. 25-29; and Nov. 1-2. The charge for school groups is $4 per person, with a minimum of 15.
Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
There is no maximum number of students that can be booked, but space is limited so booking soon is recommended. Teachers and organizers should make reservations via e-mail at columfnd@surfbvi.com or call 787-672-2152.
For more information, visit www.thenina.com.