It is located along along Riva S. Biasio in the Castello sestiero of Venice, not far from the Bienale Exhibition halls and beside the old Arsenale

The once mighty and secretive shipyard from where the Venetian fleet was built and moored was off limits to most inhabitants and was the only part of the city with defensive walls.

Before 1200 boats were built in small private workshops all over Venice, but the Doge chose to consolidate this acquired knowledge into a single complex.

This decision effectively allowed the Republic to dominate the Mediterranean Sea for the next 400 years

At its height in the 14th century the total Venetian fleet, made of all sizes of craft numbered three thousand three hundred.

We found the most interesting parts of the museum were the least expected. For example, immediately inside the museum’s entrance you will notice the famous MAS or torpedo shaped underwater motorbike used in the both World Wars. It was designed and built in a nearby workshop.

On one of the upper floors is also a 1837 model of the Bucintoro. This gold covered vessel was the symbol of the naval power of the Serenissima and was used by the Doge for Ascension Day festivals starting in 998 before being destroyed by Napoleon.

You can view all 4 floors (piani) of the museum at the website of the Marina Miltare of the Italian Ministry of Defence.

www.marina.difesa.it