The Amerigo Vespucci, Italy’s grand naval training ship, has graced Singapore’s shores for the first time in its 93-year history, marking the 25th stop of its world tour that began in Genoa in July 2023. Sailing from Darwin through calm seas, the iconic ship arrived in Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Center on October 24th, where it was met with a warm reception by the fanfare of Italy’s Livorno Naval Academy and Italian ambassador Dante Brandi. Speaking at the event, Brandi remarked on the Vespucci as a proud symbol of Italian culture and tradition, saying it embodies Italy’s elegance, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking vision. Captain Giuseppe Lai, in turn, highlighted the excitement surrounding the visit, noting that public visits are already fully booked for this historic stop.
As the ship sails around the globe, it carries more than just Italy’s maritime heritage. Accompanying the Vespucci is Villaggio Italia, a vibrant traveling expo showcasing Italy’s finest—from its renowned gastronomy to its famed innovations in art, design, and engineering. Villaggio Italia has transformed Marina Bay into a bustling “Piazza Italia,” a melting pot of cultural exchanges with a strong emphasis on bilateral relations. The site has been reimagined as a dynamic platform, blending Italian cultural showcases with discussions about Italy’s role in global issues and its contributions to fields like technology and the environment. Each evening, as the Vespucci illuminates in Italy’s tricolor, visitors are treated to authentic Italian gelato and a panorama of Italian icons—from Vespas to Moka pots.
The four-day Villaggio Italia event will feature conferences and forums with an esteemed lineup of speakers from Italy and Singapore, including Deputy Business and Made in Italy Minister Valentino Valentini, ANSA CEO Stefano De Alessandri, and thought leaders from Singapore. One of the highlights, a forum titled “Italy Meets Singapore, What They Say About Us,” explores perceptions of Italian products and culture in Singapore, aiming to cultivate long-lasting partnerships between the two nations. Expected attendees include key figures in Singapore’s economic, media, and cultural sectors, who will discuss ways to deepen Italian-Singaporean connections in a range of fields, from business to education.
The Vespucci’s Singapore visit underscores Italy’s commitment to Southeast Asia as a region of economic and technological significance. Italy views Singapore as a critical partner in tackling global challenges and advancing mutual interests in digital and green transitions. The Vespucci, often called the “most beautiful ship in the world,” represents a unique fusion of tradition and modernity—a “floating embassy” that Valentini hopes will soon be recognized as Italy’s official ambassador at sea.
For Singaporeans, this is a rare chance to experience Italy’s “Bel Paese” spirit right on their shores, surrounded by Italy’s beloved traditions, and inspired by its vision for the future.
