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.

Venetian Arsenal : The twin towers guarding the original main waterway entrance

Having fueled Venice's naval power for centuries, this historic shipyard now offers hands-on exploration for everyone: enter a Cold War submarine, get close to the giant sculpture of six pairs of hands atop a dock, and discover the stories behind the city's maritime legacy.

02 |Squero di San Trovaso

One of the last traditional boatyards in Venice, where wooden gondolas are still built and repaired.

Squero di San Trovaso : The workshop and living quarters, resembling an alpine chalet, are quite unusual for Venice

At this historic boatyard, artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of crafting and repairing gondolas entirely by hand.

03 |Naval History Museum

Museum of Venice's seafaring history, housed in the former Granary of the Serenissima Republic.

Naval History Museum : Inside the former oar joinery of the adjacent Venetian Arsenal, the Ships Pavilion displays one of its star exhibits: the Scalè Reale — a boat built in the early 19th century to transport high-ranking guests

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.

Riva degli Schiavoni : The monumental waterfront is constantly bustling with crowds, especially the closer you get to the Doge's Palace

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.

Zattere : Zattere ranks as the second-widest promenade in the city, following Riva degli Schiavoni, and it's perfect for a quiet walk along the water

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.

Naval History Museum : Approaching the Cold War–era Enrico Dandolo submarine and preparing to board through a special entrance built into the hull

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.

Naval History Museum : 'Control room to all hands — prepare to raise the periscope!'

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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