Arsenal Of The Maritime Republic, Amalfi, Italy

The structure of the arsenal consists of two large stone-built halls with vaulting supported by repeated pointed arches. The vaulting rests on ten piers, originally there were twenty two, the missing twelve and the structure they supported having been lost to centuries of coastal erosion. The main function of the arsenal was the building, repair and storage of warships. Amalfitan war-galleys were among the largest to be found in the Mediterranean during the Early Middle Ages.

The building now contains architectural and sculptural remains, a row-barge used in the Historical Regatta, a number of models of ships and it also acts as a venue for visual art exhibitions. Starting from December 2010, the Ancient Arsenals of Amalfi host the Compass Museum on the premises of the two aisles of the building, which were spared by the Amalfi seaquake of 1343.

Museums in Italy

User Reviews

Tina (13 months ago)
quality of tourist service ? We came to the info point with a bus transport problem and VENTURA quickly found a solution to our problems. He is an excellent ambassador for the town of Amalfi, dedicated and fascinating. it's so rare to come across such professionalism! Thank you again VENTURA Jean-Jacques & Tina From ??

Caroline Ennis (15 months ago)
Very interesting little museum. Just 3 Euros to enter and a fabulous quick guide provided by staff verbally. Pick up the printed booklet at the desk to read more about the commercial maritime history of Amalfi and it's critical importance to the development of capitalism.

Mark Briffa (16 months ago)
A beautiful town by the coast, wonderful place to visit. Very organized surroundings and helpful locals. Tidy place which feels safe throughout the day and night. Definite recommendation to others.

Ian Wickenden (2 years ago)
Nice building on the inside, but lacking anything interesting you haven't already seen a dozen times in any local museum around the world.

Bruce (2 years ago)
Worth a visit. Had expected maybe to see some naval cannons etc since it was an arsenal, but the exhibits on display are interesting.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Arsenal Of The Maritime Republic

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