The 16th-century Medici shipyards on the Arno, now housing the Museo delle Navi Antiche.
The Arsenali Medicei were built for the galleys of the Order of Santo Stefano under Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici as part of the Medici strategy to give Pisa a role as a naval base once the harbour had silted up. The long brick arsenal hall was restored in the early 21st century to display the Roman ships discovered at the San Rossore site in 1998, making it the Museo delle Navi Antiche. The site connects the naval history of the Pisan Republic, the Medici order and Roman Pisae in a single visit.
| Admission | State museum fee, under EUR 10 (~$12); free first Sunday of the month |
|---|---|
| Hours | Hours vary; check visitamusei.pisa.it |
| Address | Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Why it matters
A rare surviving Medici naval installation and home to the ancient ship finds.
Site facts
- Built
- From 1548
- Architect
- Commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici for the Order of Santo Stefano
- Style
- Renaissance
Location
Lungarno Ranieri Simonelli, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7107, 10.3903 View on map
Highlights
- Medici arsenal building
- Roman ships and cargo
Tips for visiting
- For group visits call +39 324 0018050
Accessibility
Mostly step-free; confirm with visitamusei.pisa.it.
Frequently asked questions
What is displayed here?
Ancient ships found in 1998 near San Rossore station, along with cargo and tools.