Did 16th century ships have port holes?

Yes, 16th-century ships did have portholes, although they were quite different from modern versions. These openings, often covered with wooden or metal lids, allowed light and ventilation into the ship's interior while providing some protection from water. Portholes were primarily used on larger vessels, such as galleons and merchant ships, as smaller boats typically did not have them. Overall, their design and functionality evolved over time, becoming more standardized in later centuries.