Galleass

Combining the speed of a galley and the artillery of a galleon, these vessels have become a significant element of the naval armory.

Until the 18th century, the Venetian commercial empire stretched all the way from the north of the Adriatic Sea to the Syrian coast. The reason for this longevity can be attributed in large part to an efficient and powerful fleet. The Venetian Arsenal knew how to build ships adapted to both commerce and war. A symbol of La Serenissima’s maritime dominance in the Mediterranean, la galeazza or galleass was one of the most successful vessels in the Venetian fleet. With its maneuverability and lethal firepower, the galleass allowed the Holy League to defeat the Ottoman Empire at sea on several occasions. Equipped with numerous artillery pieces and carrying 200 soldiers, the galleass sailed the seas like an impenetrable fortress.