A museum in the Medici shipyards on the Arno displaying Roman-era ships discovered at San Rossore in 1998.
The Museo delle Navi Antiche occupies the Arsenali Medicei, the restored 16th-century shipyards of the Order of Santo Stefano. In 1998 excavations near the Pisa San Rossore railway station unearthed a remarkable series of ancient shipwrecks preserved in the silt of a former river port, which are now displayed here with their cargoes and tools. The collection documents trade and seafaring at ancient Pisa. The museum is operated by the Italian state and offers a counterpoint to the medieval monuments elsewhere in the city.
| Admission | Adult State museum fee, under EUR 10 (~$12) · Child Free for visitors under 18 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Hours vary; a recent holiday notice listed 2:00PM-7:30PM (last admission 7:00PM). Check visitamusei.pisa.it |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Afternoon |
| Getting there | About 15 minutes on foot west of Piazza dei Miracoli area along the Arno; check bus options at cttnord.it |
| Address | Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, Arsenali Medicei, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- archaeology fans, history buffs
Location
Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, Arsenali Medicei, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7107, 10.3903 View on map
Highlights
- Ancient ships discovered in 1998
- Cargo and tools from the Roman port
- Medici arsenal building
Tips for visiting
- Contact the national museum visit service for tours: +39 324 0018050
- Free admission on the first Sunday of each month
When to visit
Afternoons on weekdays.
Accessibility
Mostly step-free; confirm with visitamusei.pisa.it.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What are the ancient ships?
They are shipwrecks of Roman date found in 1998 in the silt of a former port near San Rossore station.