by InTrieste
The majestic training ship Palinuro has docked at Pier IV, casting a spell over Trieste with its storied past and stately presence. The ship will be open for onboard visits until Monday, July 22, offering locals and tourists alike a rare glimpse into its historical and maritime significance.
Yesterday, dozens of Triestini and visitors from afar marveled at the elegance of the Palinuro. Commanding Officer Samuele Mondino, who graciously spoke with us onboard, emphasized the ship’s dual role in both training future sailors and preserving naval traditions. “Our mission is not only to train proficient seamen but also to instill a deep respect for the rich heritage of the Italian Navy,” Mondino explained.
The Palinuro recently disembarked young members of the Italian National Sailors Association, the Sailing Training Association, and the Italian Naval League. In their place, second-class student warrant officers have boarded, ready to embark on weeks of intensive navigation training. For many, this marks their first time at sea, where they will be immersed in a rigorous curriculum covering seamanship, safety, navigation, and ethical-military principles.
Visitors can explore the ship from 4 PM to 8 PM until Friday, with extended hours on the weekend: Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.
Launched in 1934 at the Dubigeon shipyards in Nantes, France, the Palinuro originally bore the name “Commandant Louis Richard” and served in the fish trade until World War II. Post-war, the Italian Navy sought a new training vessel following the loss of the Cristoforo Colombo, which was ceded to the Soviet Union as war reparations. The decision to continue training on large sailing ships was seen as vital by the Navy General Staff, leading to the acquisition and transformation of the Palinuro in 1950.
After extensive refurbishments, the Palinuro officially entered service on July 16, 1955. Since then, it has visited numerous ports across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, serving as a floating classroom for helmsmen, engineers, and student warrant officers of the Navy’s Non-Commissioned Officers Schools.
“The Palinuro is more than a ship; it is a living testament to our naval history and a beacon of our maritime future,” said Mondino, his pride in the vessel evident.
