The Galata Museo del Mare is one of Europe’s most important maritime museums, located in the heart of Genoa’s historic center near the Old Port.The museum is housed inside a large building facing the harbor, which was once a warehouse for goods arriving in Genoa by sea. The building has been completely renovated and expanded, and now houses an extensive collection of objects, instruments, and documents related to the history of the sea and shipping.The museum’s exhibition is divided into several sections, covering a wide range of topics and historical periods. The first section, devoted to the history of navigation, features a series of models of ancient and modern ships, and a large world map showing the routes of the great European navigators.The second section of the museum is devoted to the history of migration, and presents a series of objects and documents related to the history of Italian emigration to the Americas and Australia.The third section of the museum is devoted to the history of modern navigation, and features a large collection of objects and instruments used on board ships, from compasses to radar.The fourth section of the museum is dedicated to the history of safeguarding and rescue at sea, and presents a large collection of objects and documents related to the history of sea rescue and the Italian Coast Guard.Finally, the top floor of the museum houses the permanent exhibition of the Amerigo Vespucci training ship, a sailing ship of the Italian Navy, which has been used as a training ship for cadets at the Livorno Naval Academy since 1931. The exhibit presents the history of the ship and the crews who used her, and allows visitors to go on board and explore the ship’s interior.The Galata Museo del Mare is a fascinating experience for all lovers of the sea and maritime history, and is a must-see for all visitors to Genoa.
