Venetian Arsenal
1 / 4
Venetian Arsenal - by Management
Description
The Venetian Arsenal is a complex of shipyards and armories that had a major impact on the Venetian Republic's ability to exert control over vast areas of the Mediterranean seas well into the 17th century. At its peak, it employed up to 16,000 people and by 1450, over 3,000 Venetian merchant ships were in operation. This was made possible by creating what was effectively an early assembly-line process with production divided into 3 main stages (framing, planking and cabins, and final assembly), workers' specialization and the use of standardized parts. The earlier structure dates from the 12th or 13th century but the real expansion came in 1320 with the construction of the New Arsenal and the Porta Magna (the main gate) was built in 1460.
Access & Transport
Address: Fondamenta Arsenale in the Castello neighbourhood It is only a 10mins walk from Piazza San Marco, past the Doge's Palace and along the waterfront. Alternatively, the vaporetto stop "Arsenale" (B, 1, 4.1, 4.2) is only 150m away.
Instructions & Recommendations
The weekday opening (weekends only during La Biennale) to the public from 08h to 15h relates to the public spaces and the ground floor of the Tesa 105 (shed). The other Tese of the north Arsenal and the Porta Nuova Tower are only open to the public during specific events. The areas of the Southern Arsenale are used by the La Biennale di Venezia Foundation and they are accessible during the months of the opening of the exhibitions (May-November) for those who purchased an entrance ticket.
Environmental & Social
No carbon footprint related to the visit. Part of the city's historical and architectural heritage
Conclusion
For those interested in the history of the Venetian Republic, a visit to the Arsenal is highly recommended but it is best to read about if beforehand because there are only few sections that can be properly visited.
Key positive
Very important historical aspect
Photogenic main gate
Key negative
Hardly anything to actually visit except on special occasions
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo