FÁBRICA DA BALEIA

Whaling began in Porto Pim in 1943. The factory you're visiting is operated by the SIMAL company, which manufactures and exports sperm whale oil and meal. For some thirty years, the business prospered. But in 1974, the factory ceased all activity. Acquired in 1980 by the regional government of the Azores, it was listed as a building of public interest 4 years later. Renovated in the early 2000s, and since revitalized by the Azores Maritime Observatory, it now houses an interesting museum which has just been modernized. The Fabrica da Baleia retraces the history of whaling and the industry it spawned. First, a brief historical review before heading upstairs to admire the huge sperm whale skeleton on display throughout the room. Then follow the wooden walkways to discover the machines used to extract oil and make flour. There are some fine photos, portraits of former hunters, shots of the regattas organized today with the boats that used to be used for hunting... and a new section on the transition to the present and the move from hunting to whale watching (awareness, laws...). All this is punctuated by explanatory videos. Sensitive souls beware, and skip the last one, which is particularly explicit and precise on the whaling process and the killing of the whale... All in all, a very interesting and perfectly orchestrated visit.