Think of the echoes of hammers and saws as you stand here. This is the Venetian Shipyards of Heraklion. Imagine the bustling activity of skilled artisans. These shipyards were once the heart of Venetian naval power in the East.
The Venetian Shipyards played a vital role in the region. Heraklion was then known as Candia. It became the “Venice of the East”. The city was a crucial naval station for the Republic of Venice. Around 50 galleys could dock here. The shipyards were essential for building, repairing, and storing these ships.
Venice recognized Crete’s strategic importance for trade. The island connected Venice to Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, and other eastern Mediterranean destinations. This made the Venetian Shipyards in Heraklion indispensable.
The Venetians constructed 19 shipyards. These were divided into three complexes. They were called Arsenali Antichi, Arsenali Vechi, and Arsenali Nuovi. These structures were elongated and vaulted. Ships were manufactured, repaired, and stored within them.
The shipyards were designed with direct access to the sea. This allowed ships to be easily moved in and out for construction and repairs. Each shipyard measured approximately 50 meters in length. They were 9 meters wide and 10 meters high. Arched openings connected the shipyards. These openings could be closed with wooden doors.
Near the Arsenali Nuovi stood a salt storage room. A water tank with a capacity of 20000 barrels was also located nearby. The water tank is still used today for watering the port’s plants.
Sadly, much of the Venetian Shipyards has been lost. Today, only parts of the Nuovi and Vechi shipyards remain. A significant portion was destroyed in the 1930s. This was to make way for the construction of a new harbor. Six shipyards have survived, representing a fraction of the original 19.
In recent years, restoration efforts have been underway. The remaining shipyards are being transformed. They are becoming venues for cultural events and exhibitions. These efforts preserve this important piece of history.
As you explore the remnants of the Venetian Shipyards, remember its past. Picture the skilled workers. Hear the echoes of the past. The Venetian Shipyards stand as a testament to Venice’s maritime legacy. They remind us of Heraklion’s strategic importance in the Mediterranean.