Venetian Arsenal
Arsenale di Venezia
The largest shipbuilding complex in medieval Europe. The stone lions and gatehouse in front of the Porta Magna are landmarks of the Castello district.
The Arsenal was founded in the 12th century. At its peak, it employed more than 10,000 workers and is considered one of the largest production complexes in the world before the Industrial Revolution, capable of building a warship in a single day. The Porta Magna is Venice's earliest Renaissance building, and in front of it stand ancient stone lions brought from Piraeus in Greece. The interior is mostly closed to visitors, but during the Biennale it opens as one of the main exhibition venues. Nearby, the Naval History Museum displays models of gondolas and the Doge's ceremonial barge. The nearest vaporetto stop is Arsenale.
Opening hours
Exterior visible at all times; interior open only during the Biennale
Nearby sights
- Giardini della Biennale
- Libreria Acqua Alta
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- Santi Giovanni e Paolo
- Bridge of Sighs
- Doge's Palace
- San Michele
- St. Mark's Square & Basilica