Galliass dockyard in Portoferraio

The Arsenal of Galeazze was commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici as a place to build and repair galeazze (a type of warship used primarily in the Mediterranean) for the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen, and later for the entire naval fleet of the Grand Duchy. Like the Order of Malta, this Order of Knights was established to protect the waters of the Mediterranean from the Saracens.

The wall that divided the fortified city from the sea was thinner right in front of the arsenal to allow for its rapid destruction and reconstruction during the launching of the galeazze.

The ancient structure still retains the pointed arches and part of the aquaeduct supported by arches visible at the rear of the arsenal.

Curiosity: Inside the Arsenal of Galeazze, the Interpretation Center dedicated to the Pelagos International Sanctuary for Marine Mammals is being designed.
The project, winner of the idea competition held by the National Park Authority of the Tuscan Archipelago and shared with the Municipality of Portoferraio, is an interactive and highly emotional exhibit, centered on a winding ramp that twists beneath the pointed arches of the ancient shipyards. The restoration project also aims to highlight the historical value of the building and create a contrast between the restored ancient structure and the contemporary architectural project. The ancient and contemporary will respect each other and coexist, giving value to their respective identities and offering visitors reflections on the content and aesthetics of the structure, in a high-performance environment in terms of environmental comfort and energy efficiency.
Among the aisles, there will be a prominent reconstruction of a life-sized model of a blue whale, 29.90 meters in length, exactly the size of the largest specimen ever measured scientifically. The exhibition will also include models of other cetaceans (orca, dolphins, spotted dolphins, etc.) and a multimedia and immersive narrative through which visitors can appreciate the extraordinary biodiversity of the waters of the Pelagos International Sanctuary.
The central ramp, scenic in design, will create an emotional path among the cetacean models, allowing for close-up and multi-level views, providing the feeling of being submerged underwater.
The project will also include: a cafeteria, a dining area, and a multifunctional room for meetings, seminars, workshops, and events.
The goal of the project is to create an active place for raising awareness and education about marine conservation, where visitors can experience the wonders of the marine habitat in an engaging and exciting way.

Project CHVL Associated Architects