The Imperia Naval Museum

A journey of fascinating and legendary discoveries of a thousand secrets of the sea and navigation

Ropes, hulls, surface-supplied divers, rudders, sails and fair winds. At the new Museo Navale di Imperia (Imperia Naval Museum) the senses are truly aroused by the smell of the sea and the magic of legend: long voyages, technologies and valiant men. The museum, dedicated to the sea and all its nuances, has moved from its historic location in Piazza del Duomo to the renovated buildings on via Scarincio, where it is now perfectly located close to Porto Maurizio’s harbour basin, underlining its connection to the maritime environment. Sitting on the Medaglie d’Oro quay is the famous statue dedicated to Cape Horners, confirming Imperia’s deep and historical maritime tradition.

Great navigators, sailing ships, maritime mythologies, and much more. At the Museo Navale di Imperia the journey begins at the bottom of the sea with a precious treasure sunk in Roman times. Known as the dolia, these enormous ancient terracotta wine vessels were being transported by the Felix Pacata when it sank off Liguria’s west coast, they were recovered by Nino Lamboglia, the pioneer of underwater archaeology, and his team.

In the city which has been celebrating them for over 30 years, a room entirely dedicated to the Vele d’Epoca di Imperia (Imperia’s Historical Sailing Ships) was an absolute must. Finally, the sea reveals all its wonders in a room dedicated to the Pelagos Sanctuary, where the magnificent sinuous forms of fin whales and dolphins take shape though videos and photos.

Ready to set sail on a wonderful journey to discover the history of the sea, its people and its treasures? The Museo Navale di Imperia is open every Tuesday from 9.30 am to 11.30 am (from 1 June to 30 September), and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm (all year round). The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.

[Alessandra Chiappori]