Italian Navy’s Amerigo Vespucci Makes Historic Return to Tenerife After 50 Years

The Italian Navy’s training ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, has arrived in Tenerife, marking a historic moment for the island’s capital. The vessel has not visited Santa Cruz in 50 years. Before docking this Thursday, the ship was spotted off the coast of Anaga, a move that highlights both complex naval logistics and the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Italy and the Canary Islands, overseen by Vice Consul Gianluca Capelli Bigazzi.

Built in 1931 at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyards, the Amerigo Vespucci is a remarkable piece of naval history. Designed by Francesco Rotundi to mirror the style of 19th-century warships, it remains the oldest active vessel in the Italian fleet. Its history is tied to the shifting politics of the 20th century; its sister ship, the Cristoforo Colombo, was handed over to the Soviet Union as part of post-WWII reparations and was eventually scrapped in 1971.

The Amerigo Vespucci is currently on a major training voyage covering over 12,000 nautical miles. The journey includes a transatlantic crossing with stops in the United States and Canada, before concluding in Trieste on October 12. The ship features 2,824 square meters of sails alongside modern engines, allowing it to carry a crew of up to 425, including cadets from the Naval Academy of Livorno.

During its five-day stay, the public is invited to tour the 100.5-meter-long, teak-clad ship. The Italian Vice Consulate in Arona has confirmed that visits are free and do not require a reservation, though access will be managed based on security protocols and capacity. As a "floating ambassador," the ship continues to blend modern naval training with the preservation of a unique maritime heritage.