Museum of the Ancient Ships, Pisa

Historic Building and Museum in Pisa

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko

Hidden away in the historic Arsenals along the Arno, the Museum of the Ancient Ships is one of the best places to visit in Pisa if you are curious about what once sailed beneath the city's bridges. Inside these vast 16th-century arcaded sheds, you step into reconstructed hulls, cargoes and stories drawn from over thirty shipwrecks dating from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. The same halls that once sheltered 50-metre Medici war galleys now cradle delicate Roman river craft and coastal traders, turning a former power base of the Grand Dukes into a quiet, immersive window on everyday life at sea.

The setting itself tells a powerful story. The Arsenals were built between 1548 and 1588 for Cosimo I de' Medici, nestled inside the older Cittadella fortress, whose remaining towers still watch over the river. Today, instead of cannon and galleys you find hull fragments, navigation tools, cargo jars and personal objects that reveal what it meant to live and work aboard ships in antiquity. Thoughtful displays and clear explanations make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Pisa that follows the Arno, linking the city's medieval riverfront to its much older role as a maritime hub.

History and Significance of the Museum of the Ancient Ships
Things to See and Do in the Museum of the Ancient Ships
How to Get to the Museum of the Ancient Ships
Practical Tips on Visiting the Museum of the Ancient Ships
Where to Stay close to the Museum of the Ancient Ships
Is the Museum of the Ancient Ships Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Museum of the Ancient Ships
Nearby Attractions to the Museum of the Ancient Ships

History and Significance of the Museum of the Ancient Ships

The story of the Museum of the Ancient Ships begins with the Arsenals themselves. Commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici in the mid-16th century, they were designed to restore something of Pisa's former glory as a Maritime Republic. The long, open sheds lining the river were used to build and maintain impressive galleys up to 50 metres in length, which could be launched straight into the Arno and sent down to the sea. Positioned within the Cittadella of 1160, these shipyards formed part of a wider defensive and naval complex that anchored Medici control of the coast.

Over the centuries, the Cittadella and Arsenals changed roles. The Guelfa Tower, added in the early 1400s, became a lookout and symbol of power, later damaged in wartime and rebuilt. After 1543, the area was turned into artillery barracks and then into stables for the Dragon knights, charged with defending Pisa from Barbary pirates. The San'Agnese tower is the main visible survivor of the original fortress, a reminder that this river bend has long been a strategic point for whoever ruled Tuscany.

The museum as visitors see it today sprang from a remarkable discovery in 1998, when construction work exposed an ancient harbour area containing more than thirty shipwrecks. Dating from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD, these vessels span the era from Etruscan influence through the height of the Roman Empire to its decline. Their recovery and painstaking restoration transformed the Arsenals into a showcase of ancient maritime life, with the soaring halls and original naval architecture providing a fitting backdrop for hulls, cargos and artefacts that once moved along these same waters.

Things to See and Do in the Museum of the Ancient Ships

The first thing you notice on entering is scale: the Arsenals’ grand aisles, originally sized for Medici galleys, now serve as monumental display spaces for ancient ships. Take a slow walk down the main hall to absorb how the reconstructed hulls sit in the space, some displayed in full, others in cross-section so you can see their internal structure. Panels explain how each vessel was built, where it sailed and how it came to sink, turning static wood into vivid narratives of storms, river traffic and trade routes.

Look closely at the details that bring daily life on board into focus. Amphorae and storage jars reveal what these ships carried, from wine and oil to grain and other staples, while tools, ropes and personal items hint at the routines of sailors who lived in cramped quarters for weeks at a time. Sections dedicated to navigation, repairs and cargo stowage help you imagine how crews managed long journeys with limited technology and plenty of ingenuity. You will also see how riverboats differed from seagoing vessels, reflecting the specific conditions of the Arno and Tyrrhenian coasts.

As you move from ship to ship, the chronological layout guides you through shifting periods, from Etruscan and early Roman craft to later vessels of the late Empire. Exhibits highlight changes in hull design, materials and repair techniques, as well as what was happening on land - political shifts, new trade routes, evolving ports. The combination of atmospheric architecture, large-scale reconstructions and small, intimate finds makes the museum feel both grand and approachable, and you can easily linger for a couple of hours without running out of things to examine.

How to Get to the Museum of the Ancient Ships

Most visitors arrive in Pisa via Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei, which lies just a few kilometres from the historic centre and offers easy onward travel into the city by bus, tram link, train or taxi; from there it is a short hop to the Arno-side Cittadella area where the Arsenals stand. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Pisa on Booking.com.

Within Italy, Pisa is well served by train, with frequent connections to Pisa Centrale from Florence, Lucca, Livorno and other Tuscan towns; from the station you can either walk along the streets leading towards the river and Cittadella or catch a local bus that stops close to the Arsenals and museum entrance.Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you are travelling by car, follow the main routes towards Pisa, such as the A12 or Florence-Pisa highways, and park in one of the designated car parks on the edge of the old town before walking or taking a short bus ride to the riverside Cittadella district, where the Museum of the Ancient Ships occupies the restored Medici Arsenals.If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Museum of the Ancient Ships

Suggested tips: Give yourself enough time to read the displays and move slowly between the ships; pairing the museum with a riverside stroll or visit to the nearby Cittadella and Guelfa Tower makes for a satisfying half day.
Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon usually offers a good balance between natural light filtering into the Arsenals and manageable visitor numbers; in hotter months, the indoor setting is a welcome break from the sun.
Entrance fee: Adults: €8.00
Opening hours: Friday 3.30 – 6.30 pm Saturday and Sunday 10.30 am – 6.30 pm
Official website: https://www.visitamusei.pisa.it/visite-guidate-del-museo-delle-navi-antiche/
How long to spend: Plan at least 1.5-2 hours if you are interested in maritime history and archaeology, as there is plenty of material to explore at a relaxed pace.
Accessibility: The museum is housed in large, relatively modernised halls with level floors; some sections may involve ramps or short stairways, so check for lift access if you have limited mobility.
Facilities: On site or nearby you will usually find restrooms, a ticket counter and sometimes a small bookshop area; cafés and restaurants are available within walking distance along the river and in the surrounding streets.
Photography tip: Wide-angle shots capture the ships within the soaring Arsenal arches, while close-ups of hull joinery, amphorae and tools make for compelling detail photos; be sure to follow any rules about flash or tripods.
Guided tours: If offered, a guided visit with an archaeologist or specialist can greatly deepen your understanding of how the ships were excavated, conserved and interpreted.
Nearby food options: Look for local trattorias, wine bars and cafés along the Lungarni (the riverfront streets) where you can reflect on your visit over a glass of Tuscan wine or a simple plate of pasta.

Where to Stay close to the Museum of the Ancient Ships

For easy access to the Museum of the Ancient Ships and the Arno riverfront, consider staying near the central Lungarni or station area. A practical option is NH Pisa, directly opposite the main railway station and within a pleasant walk or short bus ride of the Cittadella and Arsenals. If you prefer a more atmospheric base closer to both the river and the historic heart, Hotel Bologna Pisa offers a comfortable setting between the station and the old town, making it easy to visit the museum and then continue towards the Piazza dei Miracoli. Travellers keen to stay near the classic sights but still reach the museum by a longer stroll or quick taxi might choose Grand Hotel Duomo, which sits close to the Leaning Tower and cathedral while remaining well connected to the rest of the city.

Is the Museum of the Ancient Ships Worth Visiting

The Museum of the Ancient Ships is definitely worth adding to your Pisa itinerary, especially if you are interested in history beyond churches and towers. It tells a story you rarely find elsewhere in Tuscany: how ordinary ships, crews and cargos shaped daily life, trade and communication in the ancient Mediterranean. Seeing entire hulls and cargoes reconstructed inside the old Medici Arsenals creates a powerful dialogue between different maritime eras, and the clear, engaging displays make complex archaeology easy to grasp. For many visitors, it becomes one of the must-see places in Pisa precisely because it is unexpected - a museum that feels both scholarly and vividly alive.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (1,470)

Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa, on Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, is a sleek, modern museum showcasing ancient Roman ships and Etruscan pottery shards; exhibits include remarkably intact shipwrecks, cargo like amphorae, maps with marble samples, short films and timelines that clearly explain Pisa's maritime trade and navigation, and creative interpretive displays (such as a departures board) that make the archaeology engaging and accessible.

Susan Williams

2 months ago

"This was one of three museums we went to one day in Pisa and we both enjoyed it the best. We'd been to see the Marie Rose in Portsmouth and themuseum in Stockholm about their grand shop that sank on it's first voyage. These ships in Pisa however are so amazing as they are just so old and they tell you so much about life around the Mediterranean. They show the lives of ordinary sailors not on richly decorated ships designed fir kings. The stables in the museum are used to good affect showing different aspects of maritime Pisa. An amazing place...."

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Wendy's Garden

4 months ago

"What a fascinating museum. Some general archeology, and excavated boats. Really clever ideas from the curators made this so much more fun. Thedepartures board made me laugh aloyd, after having just traveled 3 months in Italy by train. The big timeline gave context, I've never seen such a wonderfully nerdy display of so many amphora. The map with marble samples was similarly fascinating. i loved the quotes that were selected and the short films. I spent 2 hours there, and were I not simply physically exhausted that day, could have spent three. Bravo and brava to the designers and curators. You present this not only well in the sense of clearly informing visitors, but you also make it engaging and fun...."

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Adam Clark

5 months ago

"Outstanding ancient Roman boat museum coving the origins of Pisa housed in a building that was used for boat construction 1600s then housed theCalvary stables 1800s. From trade to technical aspects of ancient sailing, this museum has it all. And NO tourists!!! A cool alternative to hot summer days in Pisa...."

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FAQs for Visiting Museum of the Ancient Ships

It is housed in the restored Medici Arsenals in the Cittadella area along the Arno River, a short distance from the historic centre and reachable on foot, by bus or by taxi.

Yes, many children enjoy the large ship reconstructions and artefacts, especially if you take time to explain the stories of trade, storms and shipwrecks behind each vessel.

Advance booking is not always essential outside peak season, but checking current policies and busy-day recommendations before you visit is a good idea.

Nearby Attractions to the Museum of the Ancient Ships

Cittadella and Guelfa Tower: The remaining fortress structures beside the Arsenals, offering views over the Arno and a sense of Pisa’s military history.
Lungarni of Pisa: The elegant riverfront streets lined with historic palazzi, ideal for a scenic walk before or after your museum visit.
Piazza dei Miracoli: Home to the Leaning Tower, cathedral, baptistery and Camposanto, a short journey from the Arsenals and the classic sight cluster in Pisa.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: The cathedral museum on the Campo dei Miracoli, displaying original sculptures, metalwork and paintings from the Duomo complex.
Borgo Stretto and historic centre: A lively district of arcaded streets, shops, cafés and bars where you can experience everyday Pisan life and continue exploring after the museum.

The Museum of the Ancient Ships appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Pisa!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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