Venetian Arsenal
From the beginning of the 12th century, the Venetian Arsenal was the heart of the city's maritime industry. It covers quite a large area and is a clear sign of how important this industry was in Venice. The arsenal was even quoted in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy called Arzana. The name has an interesting etymology, it comes from a Turkish word that means "place of production."
Large industry
The conquest of the Aegean Throne and routes to northern Europe became possible thanks to the ships built here. The Venetian Arsenal was the main production pole of the pre-industrial era; in fact, it was the first factory in the world. The number of employees reached 2000 units during the main production periods, and its total area was 46 hectares.
Strategic point
The Venetian Arsenal was strategically and logistically located in the city. The place must be protected from enemy attacks and be easily supplied with wood from Cador forests. The first productive installments were nothing more than small shipyards on the side of the old Dock. They were increased only at the beginning of the 13th century.
Lately during this period the lakes, the Arsenale Nuovo, a real industrial pole, were built in San Daniele. In 1453, after the fall of Constantinople and then the beginning of the Turkish threat, the Venetian Arsenal became a stronghold for the defense of the city. Porta d'Acqua and Porta di Terra (representing one of the first examples of Renaissance art in Venice) were built.
Enhanced production
A major expansion of the area occurred between 1470 and 1570, when the total area reached the Venetian Arsenal of 24 hectares. Very important was the strategic production of ropes, a valuable commodity of the era, which were produced with avant-garde methods never seen before. The construction of the most important ships of the Venetian fleet, the Galee and the great Galeazze, was done in secret. Thanks to the efficiency of these ships, Venice won the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
Recently
The last expansion was made in the first years of the reign of Italy. The idea was to create an important naval base on the northern Adriatic coast. New buildings were added up, new canals were dug and some foundations were raised up to 70 centimeters. However, the Venetian Arsenal became too small for the size of modern ships, as well as for their transit. In the last few decades, its area has come to a new life. Indoor cultural venues have been created for the delight of visitors.
