Hystory of the Arsenale
For the Arsenale there is not a date of foundation: the news that wanted it to be founded in the early twelfth century, in 1104, by the Doge Faliero Ordelafo, to the need to give greater development to the shipbuilding industry is derived from a false commemorative medal made in the nineteenth century.
1150-1200ca. Formation of the first nucleus of the Arsenale Vecchio (Old Arsenal).
1220. First document that testifies to the existence of the Arsenale Vecchio consistsing of two rows of squeri (covered sites) aligned around a dock connected to the basin of San Marco through the stream of the Arsenale and surrounded by crenellated walls.
1225-1304ca. First extension of the Arsenale Vecchio: start the process of aggregation of land to the east of the fortified perimeter. Construction of the buildings of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise, remodeled in the fifteenth century.
1304-1322ca. Construction of the factory Corderie della Tana (Casa del canevo), for the manufacture of ropes.
1325-26. Second extension: Arsenale Nuovo's construction after the purchase of some wetlands and the lake of San Daniele, located to the east of the Arsenale Vecchio. Construction of new sites and the fourteenth-century factory's walls. Construction of workshops for the manufacture of oars, deposits of tar, cables, rigging, wood, nails, anchors and chains in the southern belt of the new dock, called Campagna, in connection with the stream the Arsenale.
1325ca. Opening a channel connecting the Darsena Vecchia (Old Dock) and Darsena Nuova (New Dock), said the rio delle Stoppare.
1329. Enlargement to the west of the perimeter wall of the Arsenale Vecchio.
1344. Completion of construction on the north bank of the Darsena nuova, in the area called Isolotto, surrounded by walls.
From 1377 to 1440. Construction of the Casa della Polvere (Powder House) with a millstone in the Campagna area. Construction of two control towers at the Arsenale's water entrance.
1390ca. Construction of the Fonderie (Foundries).
1440. Damage to factories in the Arsenale Nuovo in the explosion of the Casa della Polvere. Required a new phase of work.
1443-49. Reconstruction of houses and shops in the Campagna area, construction of new covered sites on the south bank of the Arsenale Nuovo and restoration of the long building of the Coderie, the rope factory.
1453. Fall of Constantinople. The Republic decides to implement measures to upgrade Arsenale's strengthening war in order to face the menacing Ottoman maritime fleet in the Mediterranean.
1453-56ca. Restoration and reconstruction of several sites to the west of Darsena Vecchia.
1456-58. Construction of two water sheds and the set of adjacent faces to the ground, lined up on the south bank of the Darsena nuova, represented in the perspective view of Jacopo de 'Barbari.
1460ca. Start building up the nucleus of origin of the Sale d'Armi (Sale of Arms) and Artiglieria (Artillery) workshop in Stradal Campagna. Construction of the Porta di Terra (Land Gate), a monumental entrance to the Arsenale.
1473. Third extension: creation of the Arsenale Nuovissimo, made on several occasions until 1573 due to successive aggregations of wetlands in the north of the Darsena Nuova and the creation of a third dock called Nuovissima.
1476-80. Completion of excavation and preparation of the foundation of the Darsena NUovissima, as shown in the perspective view of Jacopo de'Barbari. Start of construction of the walls and the watch towers in the north (1528).
1150-1200ca. Formation of the first nucleus of the Arsenale Vecchio (Old Arsenal).
1220. First document that testifies to the existence of the Arsenale Vecchio consistsing of two rows of squeri (covered sites) aligned around a dock connected to the basin of San Marco through the stream of the Arsenale and surrounded by crenellated walls.
1225-1304ca. First extension of the Arsenale Vecchio: start the process of aggregation of land to the east of the fortified perimeter. Construction of the buildings of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise, remodeled in the fifteenth century.
1304-1322ca. Construction of the factory Corderie della Tana (Casa del canevo), for the manufacture of ropes.
1325-26. Second extension: Arsenale Nuovo's construction after the purchase of some wetlands and the lake of San Daniele, located to the east of the Arsenale Vecchio. Construction of new sites and the fourteenth-century factory's walls. Construction of workshops for the manufacture of oars, deposits of tar, cables, rigging, wood, nails, anchors and chains in the southern belt of the new dock, called Campagna, in connection with the stream the Arsenale.
1325ca. Opening a channel connecting the Darsena Vecchia (Old Dock) and Darsena Nuova (New Dock), said the rio delle Stoppare.
1329. Enlargement to the west of the perimeter wall of the Arsenale Vecchio.
1344. Completion of construction on the north bank of the Darsena nuova, in the area called Isolotto, surrounded by walls.
From 1377 to 1440. Construction of the Casa della Polvere (Powder House) with a millstone in the Campagna area. Construction of two control towers at the Arsenale's water entrance.
1390ca. Construction of the Fonderie (Foundries).
1440. Damage to factories in the Arsenale Nuovo in the explosion of the Casa della Polvere. Required a new phase of work.
1443-49. Reconstruction of houses and shops in the Campagna area, construction of new covered sites on the south bank of the Arsenale Nuovo and restoration of the long building of the Coderie, the rope factory.
1453. Fall of Constantinople. The Republic decides to implement measures to upgrade Arsenale's strengthening war in order to face the menacing Ottoman maritime fleet in the Mediterranean.
1453-56ca. Restoration and reconstruction of several sites to the west of Darsena Vecchia.
1456-58. Construction of two water sheds and the set of adjacent faces to the ground, lined up on the south bank of the Darsena nuova, represented in the perspective view of Jacopo de 'Barbari.
1460ca. Start building up the nucleus of origin of the Sale d'Armi (Sale of Arms) and Artiglieria (Artillery) workshop in Stradal Campagna. Construction of the Porta di Terra (Land Gate), a monumental entrance to the Arsenale.
1473. Third extension: creation of the Arsenale Nuovissimo, made on several occasions until 1573 due to successive aggregations of wetlands in the north of the Darsena Nuova and the creation of a third dock called Nuovissima.
1476-80. Completion of excavation and preparation of the foundation of the Darsena NUovissima, as shown in the perspective view of Jacopo de'Barbari. Start of construction of the walls and the watch towers in the north (1528).
Jacopo de' Barbari, 1500
1508ca. Construction of the sites and sheds on the Darsena Nuovissima (completed in 1545ca).
1516. Opening of the channel that connects the Darsena Nuova with the Darsena Nuovissima and of the Bucintoro channel between the DArsena Vecchia and the Darsena Nuova.
1518. Resumption of construction activities in the Arsenale Nuovissimo hereafter the needs of military strengthening after military conflicts of Cambrai and of the Holy League.
1525-28. Completion of sites in the western arm of the dock called Novissimetta.
1524-26. Construction of new foundries after the need to strengthen the working of iron and production of bronze artillery.
1535-40. Fourth extension: aggregation of an area owned by the Convent of Celestia, located at the northwestern tip of the Arsenale Nuovissimo, for the activities of processing and storage of gunpowder. The area is then connected with the Arsenale Vecchio after the purchase of additional land from the convent of Celestia (1564).
1561-64ca. Construction of the workshop Artillery and restructuring of the fifteenth century Sale d'Armi.
1566-73. Last resumption of work in the Arsenale Nuovissimo: construction of covered sites at the Isolotto and of two large aquatic sites, said gagiandre (1573).
1566-68ca. Construction of tezon delle sieghe e dei legnami facing west towards the Galeazze canal and close to the Novissimetta, where currently is located the building of Squadratori (Clippers).
1568. Big explosion in the dust deposits in the north of Celestia that causes severe damage to the wall, a few sites and the convent of Celestia.
1569. Fifth enlargement: the creation of the Darsena delle Galeazze through the excavation of a basin on which covered sites are built for the construction of a new type of ship combat: the galeazza.
1571. Victory in the Battle of Lepanto against the Turks thanks to the decisive contribution of the Venetian fleet; 5 galeazze armed with cannons technologically advanced for the time managed to break through the formation of the Turkish fleet.
1579-85ca. Reconstruction of the Cordertie, at the hands of Antonio Da Ponte.
1591. Realization of the monumental entrance to the Sale d'Armi and to the Artillery workshop that concludes the Stradal Campagna.
From 1600 to 1700. Transformation of naval technology and consequent process of Arsenale's structural adjustment. General review of the seabed of the docks and canals according to the new needs of the shipbuilding industry.
1667. First launching of a war vessel of Northern European type.
From 1684 to 1745. Restructuring and raising of the shipyards' covers on the west bank of the Arsenal Nuovissimo and those of Novissimetta to adapt them to the construction of new large vessels.
1686-92. Enlargement of the river and the entrance of the Arsenale to facilitate the passage of vessels. Reconstruction of the two thirteenth century towers.
1516. Opening of the channel that connects the Darsena Nuova with the Darsena Nuovissima and of the Bucintoro channel between the DArsena Vecchia and the Darsena Nuova.
1518. Resumption of construction activities in the Arsenale Nuovissimo hereafter the needs of military strengthening after military conflicts of Cambrai and of the Holy League.
1525-28. Completion of sites in the western arm of the dock called Novissimetta.
1524-26. Construction of new foundries after the need to strengthen the working of iron and production of bronze artillery.
1535-40. Fourth extension: aggregation of an area owned by the Convent of Celestia, located at the northwestern tip of the Arsenale Nuovissimo, for the activities of processing and storage of gunpowder. The area is then connected with the Arsenale Vecchio after the purchase of additional land from the convent of Celestia (1564).
1561-64ca. Construction of the workshop Artillery and restructuring of the fifteenth century Sale d'Armi.
1566-73. Last resumption of work in the Arsenale Nuovissimo: construction of covered sites at the Isolotto and of two large aquatic sites, said gagiandre (1573).
1566-68ca. Construction of tezon delle sieghe e dei legnami facing west towards the Galeazze canal and close to the Novissimetta, where currently is located the building of Squadratori (Clippers).
1568. Big explosion in the dust deposits in the north of Celestia that causes severe damage to the wall, a few sites and the convent of Celestia.
1569. Fifth enlargement: the creation of the Darsena delle Galeazze through the excavation of a basin on which covered sites are built for the construction of a new type of ship combat: the galeazza.
1571. Victory in the Battle of Lepanto against the Turks thanks to the decisive contribution of the Venetian fleet; 5 galeazze armed with cannons technologically advanced for the time managed to break through the formation of the Turkish fleet.
1579-85ca. Reconstruction of the Cordertie, at the hands of Antonio Da Ponte.
1591. Realization of the monumental entrance to the Sale d'Armi and to the Artillery workshop that concludes the Stradal Campagna.
From 1600 to 1700. Transformation of naval technology and consequent process of Arsenale's structural adjustment. General review of the seabed of the docks and canals according to the new needs of the shipbuilding industry.
1667. First launching of a war vessel of Northern European type.
From 1684 to 1745. Restructuring and raising of the shipyards' covers on the west bank of the Arsenal Nuovissimo and those of Novissimetta to adapt them to the construction of new large vessels.
1686-92. Enlargement of the river and the entrance of the Arsenale to facilitate the passage of vessels. Reconstruction of the two thirteenth century towers.
G.M. Maffioletti, 1798
1750ca. Construction of the Squadratori building on the east bank of the Galeazzo canal, designed by Giuseppe Scalfarotto, taken in the perspective view of Gian Maria Maffioletti which represents the most informed account of the Arsenal before of the great nineteenth-century transformations.
1778. Implementation of the models' hall, designed by Gian Maria Maffioletti, inside in one of the sites adjacent to the Squadratori building.
1797. Treaty of Campoformio. The French entered the city and looted the Arsenale transferring the park artillery guns and weapons in France.
From 1798 to 1805. Austrian domination. Entry of Austrian troops in Venice. Damaged ships by the french are repaired by the Austrian and the shipbuilding activity is restarted.
From 1806 to 1814. French domination. Napoleon returned to Venice and uses the Arsenale as a naval base of the imperial fleet in the Adriatic. Starting new programs to modernize the Arsenale functional to the French shipbuilding system.
1806-10. Demolition of covered sites in Isolotto, towards the Darsena Nuovissima, replaced by four sites for the construction of vessels.
Opening of a new water gate toward San Pietro di Castello.
1810. Sixth expansion: annexation of the whole complex of Celestia. Construction of the Tower of Porta Nuova to the east of the Arsenale Nuovissimo, the work of Lessan.
1814-1848. Second Austrian domination.
1819. Positioning of the closing gate in the Porta Nuova gate and the movable bridge linking the Gagiandre department and the host of the Nuovissima.
1821-24. Completion of the walls in the area of Celestia (1821) and closure of the south-west side of the complex with a new portion of the wall between the oar workshops and Foundries (1824).
1828-31. Restoration of the Arsenale's river after sagging found on the banks. Reclamation of the foundations of the two towers of access to the site and straightening of the eastern one weakened by structural failures. Construction of the guard corp of the Treasury Maritime close to the Foundries (1829). Restoration and adaptation of workshops, laboratories and warehouses of the buildings situated in south of the Arsenale Nuovo.
1828. Construction of the last portion of the wall on the south side of the church of Celestia.
1835-36. Construction of the workshop for coopers and of the oar laboratory in the north of the old wall that separated the Arsenale Vecchio from the Celestia. Construction of a neo-Gothic tower between the last shipyard of the Arsenale Vecchio and the south wall of the workshop coopers, designed by Giovanni Casoni.
1778. Implementation of the models' hall, designed by Gian Maria Maffioletti, inside in one of the sites adjacent to the Squadratori building.
1797. Treaty of Campoformio. The French entered the city and looted the Arsenale transferring the park artillery guns and weapons in France.
From 1798 to 1805. Austrian domination. Entry of Austrian troops in Venice. Damaged ships by the french are repaired by the Austrian and the shipbuilding activity is restarted.
From 1806 to 1814. French domination. Napoleon returned to Venice and uses the Arsenale as a naval base of the imperial fleet in the Adriatic. Starting new programs to modernize the Arsenale functional to the French shipbuilding system.
1806-10. Demolition of covered sites in Isolotto, towards the Darsena Nuovissima, replaced by four sites for the construction of vessels.
Opening of a new water gate toward San Pietro di Castello.
1810. Sixth expansion: annexation of the whole complex of Celestia. Construction of the Tower of Porta Nuova to the east of the Arsenale Nuovissimo, the work of Lessan.
1814-1848. Second Austrian domination.
1819. Positioning of the closing gate in the Porta Nuova gate and the movable bridge linking the Gagiandre department and the host of the Nuovissima.
1821-24. Completion of the walls in the area of Celestia (1821) and closure of the south-west side of the complex with a new portion of the wall between the oar workshops and Foundries (1824).
1828-31. Restoration of the Arsenale's river after sagging found on the banks. Reclamation of the foundations of the two towers of access to the site and straightening of the eastern one weakened by structural failures. Construction of the guard corp of the Treasury Maritime close to the Foundries (1829). Restoration and adaptation of workshops, laboratories and warehouses of the buildings situated in south of the Arsenale Nuovo.
1828. Construction of the last portion of the wall on the south side of the church of Celestia.
1835-36. Construction of the workshop for coopers and of the oar laboratory in the north of the old wall that separated the Arsenale Vecchio from the Celestia. Construction of a neo-Gothic tower between the last shipyard of the Arsenale Vecchio and the south wall of the workshop coopers, designed by Giovanni Casoni.
C. Combatti, 1846
1866. Annexation of Venice to the Kingdom of Italy. Italian domination.
1873. Start of impressive works of transformation that changes the appearance and functionality of the Arsenale, as seen from the general plan prepared by Felice Martini.
1872-78. Seventh expansion: construction of two dry docks in the swampy area north of the Porta Nuova. The Arsenale is used for the construction of submarines.
1874. Installation of the gooseneck crane Fairbairn on the south side of the Darsena Grande.
1874-75. Demolition of yards in the Novissimetta and of part of the Squadratori building for the realization of two major discovered sites.
1876-80. Excavation of the Isolotto with the demolition of the building sites. Union of Darsena Nuova and Darsena Nuovissima through the creation of the Darsena Grande, suitable to the launch of the modern iron ships.
1872-79. Implementation of the two Tese coal in the island of Virgin, adjoining to the Arsenale burying the Rio della Guerra.
1880ca. Implementation of Congegnatori of repairmen building, in Stradal Campagna, and of the new building of the Naval Base Command, replaced the building of the General Stores. Transformations of the ancient sites in the area north of the Nuovissima in modern workshops and warehouses.
1883. Installing the largest hydraulic crane Armstrong Mitchell near the Isolotto's yards.
1900ca. Creating a quay in the ranks of the Nuovissima and consequent shortening, lowering and locking the tese' fronts, wich are transformed into workshops and warehouses. Implementation of the workshops of the laminations, in the area of the basins.
1910-15. Construction of the third dry dock for monocaliber ship building.
1916. Eighth expansion: construction of small barracks.
1873. Start of impressive works of transformation that changes the appearance and functionality of the Arsenale, as seen from the general plan prepared by Felice Martini.
1872-78. Seventh expansion: construction of two dry docks in the swampy area north of the Porta Nuova. The Arsenale is used for the construction of submarines.
1874. Installation of the gooseneck crane Fairbairn on the south side of the Darsena Grande.
1874-75. Demolition of yards in the Novissimetta and of part of the Squadratori building for the realization of two major discovered sites.
1876-80. Excavation of the Isolotto with the demolition of the building sites. Union of Darsena Nuova and Darsena Nuovissima through the creation of the Darsena Grande, suitable to the launch of the modern iron ships.
1872-79. Implementation of the two Tese coal in the island of Virgin, adjoining to the Arsenale burying the Rio della Guerra.
1880ca. Implementation of Congegnatori of repairmen building, in Stradal Campagna, and of the new building of the Naval Base Command, replaced the building of the General Stores. Transformations of the ancient sites in the area north of the Nuovissima in modern workshops and warehouses.
1883. Installing the largest hydraulic crane Armstrong Mitchell near the Isolotto's yards.
1900ca. Creating a quay in the ranks of the Nuovissima and consequent shortening, lowering and locking the tese' fronts, wich are transformed into workshops and warehouses. Implementation of the workshops of the laminations, in the area of the basins.
1910-15. Construction of the third dry dock for monocaliber ship building.
1916. Eighth expansion: construction of small barracks.
Summary map.
Summary map.
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Buildings and water's expansions:
1 - Compartment of Galeazze 2 - " Foundry (Tese at the Nappe) 3 - " of St. Christopher 4 - Tese of Novissima 5 - Area of Casermette 6 - Area of Laminations 7 - Porta Nuova Tower 8 - Area of Submariners 9 - Dry docks and space for shipbuilding 10 - Darsena of Galeazze 11 - Darsena Vecchia 12 - Darsena Grande 13 - Buildings Gaggiandre 14 - Land Gate 15 - Sheds of the Darsena Grande 16 - Building of Artillery 17 - Building of ropes |
All the information and the pictures you find in this page are taken from:
http://arsenale.comune.venezia.it/?page_id=33