Arsenale di Venezia

The Arsenale di Venezia is the historic shipyard and naval complex of the Venetian Republic, in the eastern Castello district of Venice, Italy, at Castello 2162. Founded in the early 12th century, it became one of the largest industrial sites in medieval Europe, producing galleys and later warships on an organised, near production-line basis. The complex is enclosed by high brick walls, with a Renaissance land gate, the Porta Magna, completed in the 15th century and decorated with the lion of St Mark and stone lions from Greece, including one from the Piraeus with Norse runic carvings. Outside the walls, a moat-like canal and two towers guard the water entrance. Most of the interior is a military zone and is closed to the public, but parts are open during the Venice Biennale, when the Corderie, the long rope-making halls, and other spaces are used for exhibitions. Visitors at other times can see the exterior gates, the lions and the canal from the bridge at Campo dell'Arsenale, and this is free and open at all times. During the Biennale, a ticket is required for the interior, and a visit can take an hour or more. The Arsenale area is quiet compared with central Venice and is a good place for a walk toward the Giardini and the Riva dei Sette Martiri. The Arsenale vaporetto stop on Line 4.1 or 4.2 and Line 1 is close. The quietest times are mornings, and the best light for photographing the gate is in the morning. The nearby Museo Storico Navale is a natural companion visit and explains the shipyard's role in the Republic's naval power.