by InTrieste
The “world’s most beautiful ship,” the Italian Navy’s training vessel Amerigo Vespucci, will arrive in Trieste on Saturday, March 1, 2025, as part of the first leg of its Mediterranean Tour. This marks the homecoming of a ship that has captivated audiences worldwide during its extraordinary 2023-2025 Global Tour. To celebrate this historic event, Trieste will host a Barcolana Special Edition, featuring maritime events both on land and at sea from February 28 to March 2.
The Vespucci‘s Mediterranean leg will conclude its two-year global journey, an ambitious project spearheaded by Italy’s Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto. The initiative brought together 12 government ministries and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, aiming to showcase Italy’s maritime excellence, cultural heritage, and world-class design on an international stage. The announcement of the ship’s arrival in Trieste was made during a live broadcast from the “Villaggio Italia” pavilion in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, expressed his pride: “We are honored to welcome the legendary Vespucci back to Italy. This event underscores our shared values of maritime passion and excellence. It’s a celebration of the special bond between Barcolana and the Vespucci, one that has always been rooted in our mutual admiration and respect for the sea.”
The Barcolana Special Edition promises to transform Trieste into a maritime wonderland. A highlight will be the Barcolana Boat Parade on March 1, where vessels of all types—from sailboats to kayaks—will gather in the Gulf of Trieste to escort the Vespucci to its mooring at Piazza Unita. In addition to the nautical spectacle, land-based events will celebrate Italy’s seafaring heritage and the enduring connection between Trieste and the Vespucci.
Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto highlighted the ship’s role as a global ambassador for Italian culture, design, and craftsmanship. “Through the Vespucci, we’ve not only embarked on an extraordinary journey around the globe but also introduced the world to the finest aspects of Italian excellence,” said Crosetto. “As it begins its Mediterranean tour, the Vespucci continues to inspire pride and admiration for Italy both abroad and at home.”
Since its departure from Genoa in July 2023, the Vespucci has visited 35 ports across 30 countries. Its mission combines naval diplomacy with the promotion of “Made in Italy,” featuring the “Villaggio Italia,” a showcase of Italian art, fashion, design, and culinary tradition. Enrico Credendino, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, emphasized that the Mediterranean tour aims to bring this international experience full circle. “Now we’re sharing our journey with the Italian people,” he said. “The Vespucci serves as a testament to Italy’s maritime legacy and its role as a global leader in innovation and culture.”
The tour’s grand finale will coincide with Italy’s Navy Day on June 10, 2025, in Genoa, marking the ship’s full-circle return to its point of origin. The celebrations will include immersive exhibits, storytelling sessions with the ship’s crew, and the premiere of a documentary chronicling its two-year global voyage.
The Italian public broadcaster RAI, a media partner for the Global Tour, will support the Mediterranean leg with extensive coverage, including a special segment during the Sanremo Festival in February. Roberto Ferrara, RAI’s Director of Artistic Assets and Institutional Agreements, described the collaboration as “a groundbreaking way to bring Italy to the world.”
As the Vespucci makes its triumphant return, the events in Trieste promise to offer not only a celebration of Italy’s maritime tradition but also a broader message about the importance of protecting and cherishing the sea for future generations. Gialuz concluded: “To love the sea is to protect it. This shared commitment unites us and will continue to inspire us as we pass this legacy on to those who come after us.”
For further details on the Amerigo Vespucci Global and Mediterranean Tours, visit tourvespucci.it.
