Museo Navale di La Spezia

The Museo Navale di La Spezia is the oldest naval museum in the world, established in 1870. It was originally set up in the 16th century in Villefranche sur Mer and has a wide range of technical and historical sections dedicated to various aspects of maritime tradition and culture. The museum features a collection of artifacts, including models of ships and watercrafts, medals, sailor hat ribbons, relics, historical and technical manuals, and documents. One of the notable sections is the collection of assault vehicles, including the originals of the MAS, explosive punt, and the 'Maiale' or slow torpedo. The museum also has a room dedicated to naval apparatus and a scale model of the Vespucci ship. It is considered the most important naval museum in Italy, aiming to keep the seafaring culture and traditions alive in the Italian people, especially those of the Italian Navy