The Venetian Arsenal (Italian: Arsenale di Venezia) is a complex of former shipyards and armories clustered together in the city of Venice in northern Italy. Owned by the state, the Arsenal was responsible for the bulk of the Venetian republic's naval power from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period. It was "one of the earliest large-scale industrial enterprises in history".
Construction of the Arsenal began around 1104, during Venice's republican era. It became the largest industrial complex in Europe before the Industrial Revolution, spanning an area of about 45 hectares (110 acres), or about fifteen percent of Venice. Surrounded by a 2-mile (3.2 km) rampart, laborers and shipbuilders regularly worked within the Arsenal, building ships that sailed from the city's port. With high walls shielding the Arsenal from public view and guards protecting its perimeter, different areas of the Arsenal each produced a particular prefabricated ship part or other maritime implement, such as munitions, rope, and rigging. These parts could then be assembled into a ship in as little as one day. An exclusive forest owned by the Arsenal navy, in the Montello hills area of Veneto, provided the Arsenal's wood supply.
Francis Taylor | Jan 25, 2018
I found this area really nice and enjoyed walking along the promenade by the seafront. The streets open up and get quieter the further you get from St. Mark's Square, and it's really peaceful once you get down towards the parks. There are some really interesting sculptures along the way, and the entrance to the shipyard is worth the visit. Towards the end of the island there are some cute cafés that are worth the walk if you want to sit in the sun without the hustle and bustle of loads of tourists. The only downside is that it's quite far out from the main city, but the Vaparetto's stop regularly at the stops dotted along the walk.
Richard Mulcahy | Aug 15, 2017
Silly me! I thought this was actually going to be an arsenal with a museum related to navel warfare and weapons. That is basically the most critically significant portion of Venetian history. The Louvre in Paris has a great exhibit on arms and armor. Beretta's claim to fame is how in 1526 they sold barrels to the arsenal. Venice is sort of missing an opportunity to provide some added value history to the average tourist here. I honesty was incapable of the thought that what was in my mind did not actually exist and by accident I paid 25 euros to go into the modern art museum, which was housed in some of the old arsenal buildings. Though I do appreciate art, I would have to say you pass on this area unless you have already done any and everything else there is to do in Venice. At least don't mistake this for what I did. PS - There is a boat museum of sorts located in this area. It contains a few old patrol boats, gondolas, and other small boats. It costs 5 euros, but would not be worth the trip to get there from one of the major areas of Venice.
Herr Karl | Jan 17, 2018
What could I say that hasn´t been said a thousend times before? Fascinating. That´s the most accurate description that comes to the mind when you think of this magical place.
Denis | Jan 13, 2018
Great place during the Biennale . Vast and quiet , even a food restaurant Far better place than the Giardini in fact .
Charlie Boyte | Feb 17, 2018
Cool spot hidden on the back side of Venice. Not much to see since it is an active military post.
Sanjay Pappachan | Apr 7, 2018
Magnificent landmark which is designated as a military zone. The area outside this shipyard, however, has nice views and wide spaces to enjoy the sun. Not too busy when we went and had a nice time clicking pics and taking in the calm waters on the sunny day. Definitely worth the visit!
Jari Lindgren | Mar 9, 2018
Very interesting boats on display but that was about it. I would hv believed that Venice would have a bit more to show for their maritime heritage. Still worth a visit.
Andris Vilde | Apr 26, 2018
Architecture is quite amazing in this place. The lions looks big and detailed. I would suggest visiting this place when you are in Venice.
R-A Mazzola | May 23, 2018
The main entrance is interesting, with rod iron gates, various statues, and other picture worthy sculptures. Not sure what the inside is like as I'm not military
Rashedul Alam | May 13, 2018
Essence from heritage & structure can make the place & spaces into living art. Really liked it.
Otávio Vansetti Miranda | Jun 21, 2018
The venetian arsenal ships showroom has many interesting and historical designs, including a beautiful royal gôndola, but is otherwise just a large warehouse that could probably benefit from a renovation. Sadly the main museum was closed for restoration so I cant comment on that.
Karen Withington | Jul 1, 2018
Venice is beautiful but appears dirty . Bit of graffiti around which is sad and Africians demanding money at every corner... felt scared. . felt its losing its beauty
Darshan Santoki | Jun 11, 2018
It's military area, access to only authorised person. Though view is good from outside. Also quite place to seat and relax nearby.
Chrisy Dawson | Jun 26, 2018
Venice's medieval ship yard and docks. Very interesting museums and buildings. Pensioners discounts in museums.
Tomas Grahn | Jul 16, 2018
A more quiet part of Venice! Not very far from Piazza san Marco, but still most people don't bother going here. Hardly any restaurants or souvenir shops in this area, so it's a little bit different from the more crowded areas. Still if you are tired and hot from a lot of walking and not extremely interested in buildings or history this is a part of Venice you can skip.
Neli Fernandes | Jul 26, 2018
The exhibition takes place every two years and we were very fortunate to be in Venice this summer. I was very delight and impressed with the exhibition! We can interact with the objects and you can really feel part of it. Your mind is completed focus while you are visiting la Bienale! I recomend it to everyone who are in Venice. It is not expensive if you think about the amount of things that you will see and learn! Very well organized! Congrats to everyone that were involved in this event! The exhibition finish in November 25th 2018.
djmaxmalta | Aug 7, 2018
Well kept military naval base, with a history like no other, the place is still used, some restrictions apply when visiting.
Chaîne Privée | Aug 1, 2018
The neighborhood is great, typical with no tourists at all. Unfortunately we can't enter the arsenal, it's a military place.
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