Vascello Neptune: A Cinematic Voyage
Explore a stunning 17th-century galleon replica, built for the big screen, now a captivating maritime museum in Genoa's historic Porto Antico.
The Vascello Neptune, a striking vessel at Genoa's Porto Antico, is more than just a ship; it's a journey through time and film. Built in 1985 in Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia, for approximately $8 million, this ship served as the primary set for Roman Polanski's movie 'Pirates'. The ship, while often called a galleon, is actually a vessel inspired by the Spanish ships of the late 17th century, though its structure is closer to that of a French vessel. Constructed with a steel hull and iroko wood for the part above the waterline, the Neptune is not just a static display but a floating piece of history. Measuring 63 meters in length and 16.4 meters wide, it houses a 400-horsepower engine capable of reaching speeds of 5 knots. The decorative elements, including cannons and statues, are made of fiberglass. After its role in 'Pirates,' the Vascello Neptune was used in the TV miniseries 'Neverland'. Today, it is permanently docked at Genoa's Porto Antico, where visitors can explore its decks and cabins, gaining insight into the design and layout of historical ships. Although it's a replica and not an exact copy, it provides an immersive experience into the world of maritime exploration.
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds and have a more intimate experience exploring the ship.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Porto Antico to enjoy the waterfront views, shops, and cafes.
- Check for guided tour times to enhance your visit with historical insights and behind-the-scenes information.
A brief summary to Vascello Neptune
- Porto antico, Molo Ponte Calvi, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, 16124, IT
- +390102476608
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
-
Walking
From Genoa's city center, such as Piazza De Ferrari, walk towards Via XX Settembre. Continue to Via San Lorenzo, turn left, and walk to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Head down Via di Porta Soprana until you reach the waterfront, then follow the path to Porto Antico. Vascello Neptune is located at Molo Ponte Calvi.
-
Public Transport
From Genoa Piazza Principe train station, take bus number 35 towards Via Vannucci and get off at Gramsci 2/Metro Darsena. Alternatively, take bus number 1 from Marittima/Principe Fs to Piazza Caricamento. You can also take the subway towards Brignole and stop at San Giorgio. From any of these stops, it's a short walk to Vascello Neptune. A single bus/subway ticket costs €2.00 and is valid for 110 minutes.
-
Taxi/Ride-share
From Genoa Piazza Principe train station, a taxi or ride-share to Vascello Neptune at Porto Antico typically costs between €8-€10 and takes approximately 4 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the station.
Attractions Nearby to Vascello Neptune
-
Aquarium of Genoa
-
Pippo E Pippetto. I Trenini Di Genova
-
The City of Children and Young
-
Piazza Caricamento
-
City Sightseeing Genova
-
Torre dei Morchi
-
Biosfera
-
Via del Campo 29 Rosso
-
Porta dei Vacca
-
Piazza San Luca
-
Palazzo Spinola National Gallery
-
Bigo
-
Piazza Banchi
-
Loggia di Banchi
-
Piazza della Meridiana
Landmarks nearby to Vascello Neptune
-
Molo Ponte Calvi
-
Molo Ponte Morosini
-
Piazza Pinelli
-
Palazzo San Giorgio
-
Basilica di San Siro
-
Fondazione Genoa 1893
-
Porto Antico di Genova
-
Le Bighe del Bigo - Genova Segway
-
Piazza della Nunziata, 4
-
Piazza della Nunziata
-
Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
-
Palazzo Bianco
-
Galleria Giuseppe Garibaldi
-
Palazzo Doria Tursi
-
Porto Antico