In this article, I present the Venice arsenala shipyard of vital importance to the Serenissima.
Venice Arsenal : article summary
The Venice arsenal, a construction site ahead of its time
The history of Venice is closely linked to water. So it's hardly surprising to learn that one of the most important places in the city's development was this shipyard, known as the Venice Arsenal.
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A brief history of the Venice Arsenal
The Venetian arsenal was built in 1104, under the command of Doge Ordelafo Faliero. Faliero's aim was to create a storage area for supplies for the city's ships.
The site quickly became a production zone for warships and then merchant ships.
They were to help the development of the Republic of Venice. The city quickly became a central point in Europe, but also all over the world!
Between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Venetian arsenal produced both ships for the crusades and galleys for commercial use. Gradually, the shipyard turned to a new type of vessel: the galleon.
At the dawn of the Renaissance, its position as world leader was challenged by the advent of other nations exploring the seas, notably Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.
What to see at the Venice Arsenal?
The interior of the Venice Arsenal is not open to the public. However, there are several points of interest in the area, and I recommend that you drop by to discover this emblematic part of the city.
Museum of Naval History
If you arrive by water, via the Arsenal canal, you can admire the two watchtowers dating from 1686. which mark the entrance to the shipyard.
Not far away is the Naval History Museum, which is sure to please sailing enthusiasts.
You can see models of the various boats built at the Arsenal over the years, as well as explanatory documents and information on the history of the site.
With a ticket for the Naval Museum, you can also visit the Ship Pavilion. Here you'll find ships including the royal galley built for the official visit of Victor Emmanuel II during the Risorgimento.
An architecturally rich entrance
Next door, you'll find yourself in front of the entrance. Its current appearance was imagined by Venetian architect Antonio Gambello in 1460.
A masterpiece of the Renaissance, it features the lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice also found on the Venetian clock tower!
In fact, four statues of lions guard the gateway, the spoils of war brought back from Athens in the 17th century.
At the top of the tower, the statue of Sainte Justine dates from 1578.
Take a tour of the South Zone...
The southern area of the Venetian arsenal can be reached on foot, via the riva degli Schiavoni.
You can only see the walls, except during the Venice Biennale, which is held in the area.
... Then to the North zone
Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can take a stroll along the the northern part of the Venice Arsenal.
A walkway leads along the walls, allowing visitors to enjoy the area's atypical architecture.
How do I get to the Venice arsenal?
Venice's arsenal is located in the city's Castello. You can reach us by the following means of transport:
- By vaporetto, getting off at the Arsenale or Celestia stops
If you are planning to take the vaporetto in Venice, there is a Vaporetto Pass which allows you to take them unlimited and save money
What to see and do in the area?
The Castello district, home to Venice's arsenal, is the city's largest and one of its most unusual.
As far as visits in this area are concerned, I suggest :
- The Church of San Zaccaria
- Church of San Francesco della Vigna
- Basilica of San Pietro del Castello
The Venice Arsenal is a place I recommend you visit. Steeped in history, you can take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the city!
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