Museo Tecnico Navale della Spezia (Technical Naval Museum of La Spezia), La Spezia

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Museo Tecnico Navale della Spezia (Technical Naval Museum of La Spezia), La Spezia

Museo Tecnico Navale della Spezia (Technical Naval Museum of La Spezia), La Spezia (must see)

The Technical Naval Museum is one of Italy's most significant naval museums, offering a fascinating look into the history and technology of the Italian Navy. Located at the entrance to the Military Arsenal, near the harbor, the museum houses an impressive collection of naval artifacts, including model ships, submarines, weapons, and uniforms from different periods. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing naval evolution, from the age of sailing ships to modern warfare vessels.

Among the unique displays is a royal fishing boat that once belonged to King George V and Queen Mary, as well as replicas of Napoleon’s battleships. The museum provides an interactive experience, allowing visitors to trace the development of naval engineering, from early shipbuilding techniques to the sophisticated equipment used in modern naval warfare.

A highlight of the museum is the room dedicated to naval evolution, which features a valuable collection of scale models representing ships from 1860 to 1910, as well as vessels from World War II. One of the most intriguing relics is the collection of ship figureheads from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, including the mysterious Atalanta, a wooden sculpture recovered from the Atlantic Ocean in 1866. Legend has it that those who gaze at Atalanta for too long may fall under its spell. The assault vehicle room presents an extensive collection of wartime vessels, including the remains of the Grillo, an early torpedo boat from World War I, and the Maiale, a self-propelled torpedo used in World War II. A bronze bust of Teseo Tesei, an Italian naval engineer and military hero, is also on display.

Beyond its impressive collection of weaponry and naval artifacts, the museum also highlights important advancements in military technology, including Guglielmo Marconi’s pioneering experiments with wireless communication in naval operations. A dedicated ancient weapons room features Turkish and Moorish cannons from the 16th century, a 10-barrel Gatling gun from the Boxer Rebellion era, and an extensive collection of portable weapons used in the Italian-Turkish War and World War I.

Outside, the museum’s garden features a bronze monument of Costanzo Ciano (by sculptor Francesco Messina), a propeller from the battleship Vittorio Veneto, and a section of the hull from Marconi's ship, Elettra. Whether you're a military history enthusiast or simply curious about naval engineering, the Technical Naval Museum of La Spezia offers a unique and immersive journey into Italy’s maritime legacy.

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Museo Tecnico Navale della Spezia (Technical Naval Museum of La Spezia) on Map

Sight Name: Museo Tecnico Navale della Spezia (Technical Naval Museum of La Spezia)
Sight Location: La Spezia, Italy (See walking tours in La Spezia)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in La Spezia, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in La Spezia

Create Your Own Walk in La Spezia

Creating your own self-guided walk in La Spezia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
La Spezia Introduction Walking Tour

La Spezia Introduction Walking Tour

A short train hop from the famed coastal area of Cinque Terre, La Spezia is Liguria’s unsung hero. Tucked snugly between cliffs and the shimmering Ligurian Sea, it sits conveniently between Genoa and Pisa. Often passed over by the crowds, those who pause here are rewarded with a blend of historical intrigue, cultural flair, and mouthwatering seafood—all served up against a backdrop of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles