by Guisela Chiarella
On the deck of the Italian Navy’s largest vessel, Trieste, political leaders from Rome and the Friuli Venezia Giulia region gathered to mark the homecoming of Amerigo Vespucci, the storied training ship of the Italian Navy. Having circumnavigated the globe, touching every continent, the vessel arrived in Trieste—its first Italian port of call since departing from Genoa.
Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, underscored the symbolic significance of Trieste as the site of this historic return.
“Vespucci arrived in Trieste after a journey that showcased Italy to the world,” Lollobrigida said. “This is a city that is both the most Italian in Europe and the most European in Italy—where, on November 3, 1918, the sharpshooters landed, uniting this nation and reaffirming Trieste’s Italian identity.”
The Vespucci, often hailed as “the most beautiful ship in the world,” has long served as an ambassador of Italian maritime tradition. Beyond its role in training naval cadets, the vessel represents the skill and dedication of Italy’s armed forces.
“This ship speaks to the glory of our Navy, to the professionalism of the men and women who serve aboard,” Lollobrigida said. “But it also stands as a testament to the invaluable work our defense forces do in times of peace—offering aid to populations in need across the world.”
As the Vespucci docked in Trieste, its arrival carried more than just historical weight; it served as a reminder of Italy’s economic and strategic presence on the global stage. Lollobrigida highlighted the role of the ship in promoting Italian excellence abroad, fostering international trade, and supporting Italian businesses expanding into global markets.
“In its travels, Vespucci has shown not only what we should be proud of but also the opportunities we must seize,” he said. “It reminds us of the value of maintaining Italy’s presence in international markets—of the connections we have already built and those we must continue to strengthen.”
With its sails furled in the Gulf of Trieste, the Vespucci stood as a striking emblem of Italy’s past, present, and future—a beacon of heritage and ambition on the waters of the Adriatic.
