Naval Technical Museum La Spezia

Museum in La Spezia

Arsenal De La Spezia — Public Domain / Tangopaso

In the 1860s, the Italian navy established a significant base in La Spezia, which later evolved into one of its foremost dockyards and arsenals. The inception of the museum traces back to the 18th century, when a collection of naval artifacts associated with the royal house of Savoy found its home at Villafranca and subsequently in Genoa. In 1870, this assortment was relocated to La Spezia, forming the foundation of what would become the Naval Museum.

The museum boasts an eclectic range of exhibits, including figureheads from ships dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as an array of meticulously crafted ship models. Among its notable attractions, the museum places a special emphasis on radio communications, proudly showcasing equipment utilized by the pioneering Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937). Alongside these treasures, visitors can explore a myriad of artifacts from the First and Second World Wars, which encompass items such as torpedoes and fragments of submarines.

A visit to this museum offers a unique opportunity to pair cultural exploration with a tour of the adjacent Naval Arsenal. Thanks to a collaborative agreement between the Italian Navy and the municipal authority of La Spezia, extensive sections of the arsenal are now accessible to the public. This immersive experience allows visitors to witness ongoing work on contemporary vessels and to delve into the maritime history of the past. From the sail-maker’s yard to the historic swing-bridges and dry docks of the 19th century, the Naval Museum and Arsenal offer an enriching encounter with Italy’s maritime legacy.

The Naval Technical Museum La Spezia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Spezia!

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