Millions of travellers visit Venice each year to see this remarkable city and yet you don’t encounter the crowds that gather in Rome or Milan. Venice is a place where wandering aimlessly is half the fun.
An enchanting and beautiful city, Venice is built on 117 smaller islands all connected by canals and bridges which creates the uniqueness and charm of the medieval township. Situated on a lagoon within the Adriatic Sea, Venice has an abundant culture deeply embedded in a marine lifestyle as a result of the surrounding ocean. Venetian cuisine consists of risotto and other seafood dishes, artists and designers have been inspired by the canals and transport is by vaporetto (passenger ferry) or a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and walking is the best way to cross footbridges and see the sites.
Venice is home to the Basilica di San Marco and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection featuring art obtained by the heiress Peggy Guggenheim which is exhibited in her mansion on the Grand Canal. One of the less promoted collections can be found in the Museo Storico Navale in the Castello district near the Arsenale. The Arsenale began as a medieval dockyard founded in 1104 and was once the greatest shipyard in Europe. The Museo Storico Navale is dedicated to all things nautical displaying all kinds of naval paraphernalia, including decorations and uniforms from former navy personnel.
This intriguing museum has five levels of exhibits which have war memorabilia including ships cannons and model ships of varying sizes. The walls are adorned with portraits of captains and paintings. There are maps which were used for strategic military importance that date back to the sixteenth century. The museum displays modern military equipment including a torpedo and diving equipment which are used on submarines and framed ship plans provide an insight into the design process of modern ships.
The model ship exhibit is vast and historical with models with were created in the 16th century. Model ships include, Model of a 16th century Venetian Galleon, Model of the 80 gun vessel ‘Casare’ keel laid in the Arsenal of Venice during Napoleon’s Government launched in 1815 at the presence of the Emperor of Austria Francis 1st. Many of the models have a significant connection to Italian history and there are French ships fought in battle and Roman vessels. A Model of a Heavy Galley of the order of Santo Stefano- Tuscany 17th century is a model which measures over two meters in size and has delicate carving details.
In other sections is an 18th century Venetian vessel which was used on ceremonial occasions and is lavishly decorated demonstrating the wealth and glamour of the era. There is also an interesting exhibit dedicated to the gondola, the symbol of Venice. There are many different designs of the gondolas on display but the most intriguing is the personal gondola of Peggy Guggenheim who was one of the last people to own a private one. There are photographs on display next to the gondola showing Peggy Guggenheim being ferried with her little dogs.
This museum captures an essence of Venice and provides an understanding of the history and culture which remains with you long after you visit.
The author has experienced Venice first hand in September 2010.
By Elyce Nicholls
