Penn’s Landing at Market Street
(215)923-9030

Call ahead; tours can be arranged when the ship is in port

The Gazela of Philadelphia used to be called the Gazel Primeiro, and it’s a very large rigger ship. It’s the last of a fleet of cod-fishing ships and was in operation from 1883 to 1969. It has the distinction of being the biggest and oldest boat of its kind that still sails today. It’s cod-fishing days are long behind, however, and the aging craft spends its free time traveling up and down the Atlantic Coast, where it joins in harbor festivities and celebrations.

In addition to all the traveling, the Gazela is also a small maritime museum, and is sailed by volunteers. These guys spend all winter fixing and maintaining the boat, and sailing it all summer long. This isn’t one of Philadelphia’s more interesting exhibits, unless you happen to be a boat aficionado, so don’t lose sleep trying to figure out if it’s going to be in port while you’re the area. Still, it is a part of history, and no doubt very important, but there are much better things to experience while traveling in the city.