The Amerigo Vespucci, a 93-year-old Italian naval training ship revered as the “most beautiful ship in the world,” made its historic debut in India by docking at Mumbai’s Indira Dock. This visit marks the 28th stop in its ambitious two-year world tour that spans 30 countries and five continents.
Sailing from La Spezia, Italy, on July 1, 2023, the vessel has already graced iconic ports such as Los Angeles, Tokyo, Darwin, and Singapore. The ship’s crew of 250 brings with them a unique blend of history, tradition, and artistry, symbolised by the ship’s meticulously maintained wooden decks and brass details, which showcase the finest of Italian craftsmanship. For Mumbaikars, this is a rare opportunity to step aboard this maritime marvel, which will remain open for public visits until December 2. Visitors can also experience the accompanying Villaggio Italia—a cultural and technological exhibition celebrating modern Italian excellence.
The Villaggio Italia initiative is a collaborative effort backed by Italy’s Ministry of Defence, along with 11 other ministries and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. It merges the naval diplomacy of the Amerigo Vespucci with a showcase of Italian innovation. The exhibition features cutting-edge technology, iconic designs, photography, and live performances, including music by the Italian Air Force band. It also includes film screenings curated in collaboration with the Venice International Film Festival. “This ship is an Italian floating embassy,” said Tomaso Ferrando, the ship’s deputy commanding officer, highlighting its role in strengthening Italy’s cultural and diplomatic ties with the world. Mumbai marks a special milestone in the Amerigo Vespucci’s journey as it continues to promote the legacy of Italian craftsmanship and modern excellence across global shores.
