The Italian Naval Academy, the Italian Navy’s primary officer-training facility, was established in Livorno on November 6, 1881 when the naval schools of Genoa and Naples merged after the Unification of Italy.? This merger was headed by the Naval Minister of that period, Admiral Benedetto Brin, under the approval of the Conte di Cavour.? Geographically situated in the center of the new Italian State, Livorno was the perfect place to establish a unique school for educating young people motivated to become Naval Officers.

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From 1923 to 1926, the Naval Academy supported an Air Force Officers’ program while the Air Force searched for a location to establish its own academy.? In 1943, the Naval Academy was forced to re-locate to Venice due to damage incurred from enemy bombardment of Livorno during the last war.? Immediately after the Armistice, it moved again, this time to Brindisi.? On July 5, 1946, the Naval Academy returned to Livorno, steadfast in her spiritual and cultural heritage.? Training has since continued uninterrupted for more than 118 years.

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The current, academic year schedule ensures that newly commissioned officers have an appropriate education in naval history and relevant technical subjects, focusing on extended rhetorical studies and practical knowledge in their respective, professional fields.? In their final year, these young officers pursue degrees in Political Science (for the Unrestricted Line Officers), Telecommunications Engineering (for the Naval Weapons Officers) or Naval Engineering.

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The Sezione Velica Marina Militare (S.V.M.M.), the Navy’s sailing organization posted at Naval Headquarters, develops and circulates sailing-related, seamanship training to all Navy personnel.? The S.V.M.M. is divided into a Management Office and 13 other departments.? S.V.M.M. Direction Centers are placed in several branches of the Navy’s administrative organization throughout the country.? The S.V.M.M. often joins the Federazione Italiana Velica (F.I.V. - Italian Sailing Federation), with its own permanent council, to collaborate on national and international sailing activities.?

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The origin of Livorno dates back to an old, fishing community that settled the coastal area where the Port of Livorno is now situated.? 11^th century, historical records testify to the existence of this settlement.? In 1103, the Tuscan Countess Matilda surrendered this village to S. Maria of Pisa.? Under the tutelage of the Medici Dynasty, the old village was transformed into a major city in the 16th century.

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In 1421, the people of Florence purchased Livorno from the Genoese Republic.? The Senate allowed exemptions to those settling in the territory, authorized the town hall to write articles of association and initiated the collection of taxes.? Between 1527 and 1564, Cosimo I, a Medici Duke, ordered the fortification of the area and the building of a new dock.? Ferdinando I issued the “Livornine” laws that pushed for economical development of the city, granting privileges and exemptions to those settling Livorno, thereby opening the city to persecuted races migrating to Western Europe.? The Lorena Dynasty followed the Medici Dynasty.? Archduke Francesco II connected the harbor to the hinterland, making Livorno the busiest docking zone in the Mediterranean Sea.? Currently, Livorno has 180, 000 residents, and is the second largest city in Tuscany.? Modern, active, and always expanding, its economy relies on dock activity and the presence of major industries, both public and private.? Despite its contemporary feel, Livorno preserves its history, offering tours & exhibitions of churches and monuments built during the Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras.

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The Livorno seaside is dotted with beaches, hotels, restaurants and nature walks, making the “Etruscan Coast” a popular, tourist destination.? In the past, famous personalities, such as Fattori, Modigliani, Mascagni & Guerrazzi, and writers, including Goldoni, Byron, Shelley & Smollet, have taken advantage of Livorno’s hospitality.? Today, the city is often remembered as the site of the Italian Naval Academy, itself a witness to the historical connection between the City of Livorno and the sea.

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