Art Spaces
5 Key Places in Venice's Maritime History
Naval Heritage
Trace the story of Venice's naval might across these 5 remarkable sites, each revealing a chapter of the city's maritime legacy - including the rare chance to board a real submarine and experience what life was like beneath the waves!
01 |Venetian Arsenal
Historic shipyard that powered Venice's naval supremacy and played a key role in the Republic's maritime dominance.
This is where Venice's maritime power was built on an astonishing scale: at its peak, the Arsenal employed thousands of workers and could turn out war galleys with remarkable speed.
Most visitors see only the main gate, partly because much of the complex remains off limits as it is still an active military base.
But one section can be explored year-round: among historic docks and industrial buildings that reveal the sheer scale of this remarkable shipbuilding operation, there are unexpected sights including a Cold War submarine and Lorenzo Quinn's giant pairs of hands.
02 |Squero di San Trovaso
One of the last traditional boatyards in Venice, where wooden gondolas are still built and repaired.
Tiny and tucked beside the canal, this working boatyard offers a rare glimpse into the craft behind Venice's iconic gondolas.
You can watch the artisans at work from across the canal, with cicchetti and a drink from the nearby Osteria Al Squero, or see how a gondola is being repaired, up close, on a guided tour.
03 |Naval History Museum
Museum of Venice's seafaring history, housed in the former Granary of the Serenissima Republic.
Set sail through history in this fascinating five-floor museum packed with naval exhibits, model fleets, weaponry, and uniforms - plus a full ships pavilion in the legendary Arsenal.
04 |Riva degli Schiavoni
Monumental waterfront along the San Marco Basin, framed by historic buildings and lagoon views.
Walk Venice's monumental waterfront along the San Marco basin for unrivaled, postcard-perfect views of the city's most iconic landmarks set against the glittering expanse of water.
05 |Zattere
Laid-back waterfront promenade on the southern edge of Dorsoduro, offering open views across the Giudecca Canal.
The second-widest waterfront promenade in Venice is a soothing spot, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere, watching the sunset with an aperitivo in hand, and easing into the evening.
Enter a real submarine
How thrilling would it be to step inside a military submarine from the Cold War era and discover what life was like beneath the surface?
The 46m (150 ft) Enrico Dandolo (S 513) submarine is located on land within the restricted military section of the Venetian Arsenal.
Many of the Italian Navy's submarines were built here at the Arsenal, which was modernized in the late 19th and 20th centuries for iron ship and submarine construction.
You'll be provided with a protective helmet and escorted by a guide to the submarine. An audio guide worn around your neck tells the story of the vessel from the perspective of a former captain who served aboard it, while the guide is also available to answer any questions.
You enter through a specially cut opening in the hull, and once inside, everything is remarkably well preserved. You can explore the interior from the engine room to the torpedo chamber.
The experience also includes entry to the Naval History Museum, which is valid for two days after purchase. Guided tours start from the museum's Ship Pavilion.
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