Italy's oldest naval ship stopped in Darwin for three year worldwide voyage

It's been nearly a century since the Amerigo Vespucci made her maiden voyage. The crown jewel in Italy's naval fleet, standing just two metres below the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This weekend, locals have flocked to Darwin to it. Some travelling across the country for a chance to celebrate their homeland. “I came from Melbourne to get into that ship because it will be my third visit to the ship.” The 101-metre-long ship is used to train naval cadets. It takes eight of them to turn the original wheel. “It's a beauty, just like Italians are able to create beauty, and it's also an important symbol of craftmanship.” “It might look like the set of a movie, but the Amerigo Vespucci has been in action for 93 years and it's still sailing today as part of a world tour.” Darwin is the only port it will visit during its second ever stay in Australian waters. “It just feels like stepping into a time machine or something.” “It reminds me of pirates of the Caribbean” The Italian navy's played a key role defending crucial European trade routes during recent tensions in the middle east. And after Italy's debut in Darwin's international Airforce wargames earlier this year... the European nation's signaling its interest in the Indo-Pacific. “We take a commitment to work together for peace, security and protect freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.” The next stop is Singapore a voyage back through time as Italy looks to secure its future in the region.