The Victoria was the only ship that returned to Spain after Ferdinand Magellan's ill-fated expedition to circumnavigate the globe. Commanded by Sebastián Elcano after Magellan's death in the Philippines, the ship sailed for almost three years, having departed from Seville with a fleet of five ships. Throughout the journey, the crew faced daunting challenges, including mutinies, treacherous waters, and encounters with indigenous populations. The expedition traveled through the Strait of Magellan, named after Magellan himself, and became the first known expedition to successfully navigate the globe.

On its arrival back at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the Victoria was carrying only 18 of the original 237 crew members. The ship endured a tumultuous journey, filled with hardship and loss. Not only did it serve as a testament to the era's ambition for exploration, but its successful return also provided invaluable information about overseas territories and trade opportunities. The navigation route devised during this expedition would later prove crucial for both trade and global maritime navigation.

The historic return of the Victoria was celebrated in the Spanish court as an astronomical achievement in the field of navigation and exploration. Elcano was recognized for his leadership and tenacity. The ship's voyage set a precedent for future explorations and significantly expanded European knowledge of the world, ultimately laying the groundwork for subsequent maritime empires. This journey was a point of reference in the expansion of Portuguese and Spanish influence in the newly discovered lands.