The Pilar is the name of Hemingway’s fishing boat. In 1926, Hemingway had gone to the bullfights in Zaragoza, Spain. It was there that he witnessed the Pilar shrine (in honor of the patron saint of Zaragoza). This was partly his inspiration for naming the boat. His other inspiration might have come from second wife Pauline, who had given herself the nickname, “Pilar” when first courting Ernest. Hemingway purchased his beloved boat in 1934 for $7500.Hemingway had specified that the boat be left to his long time fishing companion/mentor (and first mate of the Pilar), Gregorio Fuentes. Fuentes felt that the best place for the boat would be at Hemingway’s Finca Vigía property in San Francisco de Paula, Cuba. The Pilar now resides there, a popular attraction for travelling EH aficionados. View a photo of Hemingway’s Pilar.