Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi

The Arsenale della Repubblica features massive stone vaults supported by sturdy pointed arches that stretch toward the sea. This medieval shipyard was where the Republic of Amalfi constructed the formidable galleys that dominated Mediterranean trade routes for centuries. In eleven eighty-four, the local shipwrights finished the keel of a massive galley here, launching a vessel designed to carry over a hundred rowers. The salt air still clings to the heavy masonry, where wooden ships once rested before sliding into the harbor.