There are plenty of incredible museums that one might not even think of visiting as they may seem too niche or not particularly interesting to oneself at first glance. However, when presented well, any topic can be fascinating! A great example of this, and of a lesser-known museum in Tuscany that many inadvertently skip over, is Le Navi Antiche di Pisa, or the Museum of Ancient Boats in Pisa. A museum dedicated entirely to boats may not seem immediately appealing to many but this astounding institution is truly remarkable as it presents full-sized vessels from the past in an old warehouse space that one can admire and be awed by in person. Described as the, “Pompeii of the sea,” this museum presents ships from a period spanning over a 1000 years that were found perfectly preserved. Eerie, majestic, and singular, this is an extraordinary attraction that is a must-see for any history lover who has been browsing our luxury villas in Pisa and is planning on coming to explore this beautiful and ancient Italian city.
While most rush right to the Leaning Tower upon arriving in Pisa, those really in the know realise that one of the best attractions in town is the little-known gem that is the Museum of Ancient Boats. The museum traces its origins to an event more than twenty years ago when a new railway station (the San Rossore station) on the outskirts of Pisa was being excavated and one of the most important archaeological discoveries in recent decades was made: in the place where an ancient stream had once been, some thirty sunken ships were discovered (13 of which were recovered in their entirety), many still with their cargos and all in shockingly well-preserved conditions. Dating from 300BC to 700AD and brought down by a series of nine disastrous and incredibly destructive floods throughout the centuries, the shipwrecks and site were carefully excavated and restored and a museum was established to the house these astounding findings. The Museum of Ancient Boats was finally inaugurated on the 16th of June 2019.
Displayed in the rooms and aisles of the Medicean Arsenals (fittingly, this setting is the very shipyard where Cosimo I de’ Medici once constructed ships for the Tuscan fleet) in Pisa, across a space of more than 5000 square meters, the museum is divided into eight sections: The city between the two rivers; Earth and waters; The fury of waters; Navalia; Ships; Trade; Navigation; and Life on board. Telling the tale of Pisa from the time of the Etruscans to the Romans to the Lombards, explaining the relationship of Pisa and the water throughout the centuries, looking into the floods, investigating the ships and their loads, detailing navigation techniques and life on board such ships, and looking at the cults and superstitions of sailors, this museum boasts lots of information about the history of the area and sailing. However, the star of the show, as one might expect, is undoubtedly the boats on display. Ancient Etruscan and Roman cargo ships and riverboats are displayed in the main hall, with the Alkedo, a private ship from the Augustan period, the highlight. In addition, there are other recovered items from the ships on display as well including ropes, baskets, fishing tools, utensils, amphorae and vases from commercial vessels, jewellery, coins, and more.
Unique and utterly fascinating, if you have found a luxury villa in Pisa and are spending some time in this part of Tuscany then be sure to come and see this exceptional, “Pompeii of the the sea,” for yourself!
Le Navi Antiche di Pisa
Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, 16, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
+39 050 8057880
info@navidipisa.it
Opening Hours:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10.30am to 6.30pm
Wednesday, 2.30pm to 6.30pm
Closing on: Mondays, December 25th, December 31th, Easter Sunday, April 25th, May 1st, August 15th
Ticket Prices:
Full price, €10
Reduced price (for those over 65 and groups of over 10), €8
Reduced price (for those between 6 and 18) €5
Displayed in the rooms and aisles of the Medicean Arsenals (fittingly, this setting is the very shipyard where Cosimo I de’ Medici once constructed ships for the Tuscan fleet) in Pisa, across a space of more than 5000 square meters, the museum is divided into eight sections: The city between the two rivers; Earth and waters; The fury of waters; Navalia; Ships; Trade; Navigation; and Life on board. Telling the tale of Pisa from the time of the Etruscans to the Romans to the Lombards, explaining the relationship of Pisa and the water throughout the centuries, looking into the floods, investigating the ships and their loads, detailing navigation techniques and life on board such ships, and looking at the cults and superstitions of sailors, this museum boasts lots of information about the history of the area and sailing. However, the star of the show, as one might expect, is undoubtedly the boats on display. Ancient Etruscan and Roman cargo ships and riverboats are displayed in the main hall, with the Alkedo, a private ship from the Augustan period, the highlight. In addition, there are other recovered items from the ships on display as well including ropes, baskets, fishing tools, utensils, amphorae and vases from commercial vessels, jewellery, coins, and more.
Unique and utterly fascinating, if you have found a luxury villa in Pisa and are spending some time in this part of Tuscany then be sure to come and see this exceptional, “Pompeii of the the sea,” for yourself!
Le Navi Antiche di Pisa
Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, 16, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
+39 050 8057880
info@navidipisa.it
Opening Hours:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10.30am to 6.30pm
Wednesday, 2.30pm to 6.30pm
Closing on: Mondays, December 25th, December 31th, Easter Sunday, April 25th, May 1st, August 15th
Ticket Prices:
Full price, €10
Reduced price (for those over 65 and groups of over 10), €8
Reduced price (for those between 6 and 18) €5