Italy arrives at the Port of Los Angeles with the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy’s oldest naval vessel, bringing a slice of its rich maritime heritage. The Italian Navy’s tall ship, begins a six-day visit, offering free tours of the magnificent vessel.
During its long journey around the world, the training ship Vespucci will serve as an ambassador of Italy and Made in Italy, promoting themes such as sustainability and respect for the marine environment, under the banners of UNICEF, UNESCO, and the International Maritime Organization. Minister Guido Crosetto, who proudly accompanied the ship’s departure, also emphasized the importance of its stop in the United States. “The ship will tell the world about Italy, its art, culture, history, gastronomy, industry, and science. Together with its crew, they will be ambassadors of Made in Italy.”
This sentiment was echoed by Mariangela Zappia, the Italian Ambassador to the U.S. “I feel pride and satisfaction for the opportunity to visit and introduce the Amerigo Vespucci, a symbol of the Italian Navy, to people around the world, as well as to us Italians abroad, to colleagues, representatives, and business people.”
In addition to exploring the ship, visitors can immerse themselves in the “Villaggio Italia” experience, featuring authentic cuisine, crafts, music, and cultural displays.
But what is Villaggio Italia? It is an exhibition space covering nearly 130,000 square meters, open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Villaggio Italia officially opened at 4:00 PM on July 3 and will close at 12:30 PM on July 8. For more information on hours and the program, visit the website https://tourvespucci.it/en/legs/los-angeles-2/.
This unique event provides a rare opportunity to experience the charm and elegance of Italy right at the harbor.
The inaugural ceremony of Villaggio Italia was held on Wednesday, July 3, attended by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Italian Ambassador to the United States Mariangela Zappia, Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, General Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, CEO of Defense Services Luca Andreoli, Captain Giuseppe Lai, Commander of the Amerigo Vespucci, Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles Raffaella Valentini, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Erin Bromaghim. The Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, will attend the closing ceremony of Villaggio Italia on July 8.
You can make reservations online at https://tourvespucci.it/en/
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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