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Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa: A Journey Through Ancient Maritime History

Explore ancient ships and maritime history at Pisa's Museo delle Navi Antiche, an archaeological treasure trove on the Arno River.

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The Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa (Museum of Ancient Ships of Pisa) showcases a remarkable collection of ancient ships discovered in 1998 during excavations for a railway station. Located in the Arsenali Medicei, the museum displays remarkably well-preserved vessels and artifacts, providing insights into ancient shipbuilding, maritime trade, and life aboard ships from the Etruscan to the Roman periods.

A brief summary to Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa

  • Tuesday 8:30 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-2 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays for a more relaxed experience, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions or special events that may coincide with your visit.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance and context of the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pisa Centrale train station, exit and head towards the city center. Walk along Corso Italia, then continue along the Arno River on Lungarno Mediceo. Cross Ponte della Fortezza and continue onto Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 25 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Pisa Centrale train station, head to the nearby bus terminal across the street. Take Bus Line 5 towards 'Pisa San Rossore'. Get off at the 'San Rossore' stop, then walk straight ahead on Via San Rossore, which leads to Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli. The museum is on your right at number 16. A bus ticket costs approximately €1.50 if purchased at a kiosk or €2.50 if purchased on the bus.

  • Taxi

    From Pisa Centrale train station, a taxi to Museo delle Navi Antiche will take about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available outside the station. The estimated fare is between €10-€15.

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Discover more about Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa

The Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa, located on Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, is a must-visit destination for those fascinated by maritime history. The museum is housed within the Arsenali Medicei, constructed between 1548 and 1588. The collection originated from a stunning discovery in 1998 near the Pisa San Rossore train station, where a series of shipwrecks were unearthed in exceptional condition. The museum is divided into eight sections that illustrate Pisa's history from the Etruscan to the Roman and Medieval ages. Exhibits reconstruct the city's relationship with water, showcasing canals, the port of Pisa, ceramic workshops, and maritime activities. A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to life aboard these ancient vessels, displaying clothing, luggage, tools, and even remnants of meals, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient mariners. The centerpiece of the museum is the Ship Gallery, which features preserved timbers from five different vessels dating from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD. Among these is the Alkedo, a 20-foot yacht dating back to the 1st century AD, possibly the oldest surviving vessel with a known name. The museum also displays a 5th-century BC horse-drawn sand barge, considered the earliest example of plank-on-frame construction. The museum is accessible, with facilities such as a cloakroom, restrooms, and a nursery. Guided tours are available in English upon request on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

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