I was on a cruise recently and Genoa, Italy is a reasonably busy cruise port. Sometimes there are 4 or 5 cruise ships in port.

One of the interesting things about Genoa is retired Italian submarine, Nazario Sauro (S 518).

The Nazario Sauro (S 518) is an Italian submarine named after the World War I naval hero Nazario Sauro, an Italian patriot from Istria who fought against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Part of the Sauro-class of submarines, the S 518 was the lead ship of its class, representing a significant technological advancement in the Italian Navy’s fleet during its service period.

The Nazario Sauro (S 518) was launched on October 9, 1976, and commissioned into the Italian Navy on February 6, 1980. The Sauro-class submarines were designed during the Cold War, with the primary role of anti-submarine warfare (ASW), coastal defense, and surveillance missions in the Mediterranean Sea.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the S 518 was the first of four submarines in the initial batch of the Sauro-class.

The Nazario Sauro submarine, like others in its class, was equipped with advanced sonar systems and torpedo-launching capabilities, making it well-suited for a variety of naval missions.

Key features of the submarine:

  • Displacement: 1,456 tons when surfaced and 1,650 tons when submerged.
  • Length: 63.8 meters (209 feet).
  • Speed: Capable of speeds up to 20 knots (37 km/h or 23 mph) when submerged.
  • Crew: Approximately 51 crew members.
  • Armament: Equipped with six 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes, capable of launching both heavy and lightweight torpedoes.

The submarine was powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods during stealth operations. Its range and endurance made it an effective tool for the Italian Navy’s Mediterranean missions.

The Nazario Sauro (S 518) served in the Italian Navy for over two decades, participating in numerous naval exercises and missions. It was part of NATO operations and engaged in patrolling the Mediterranean waters during times of heightened geopolitical tension, particularly during the Cold War era.

After over 25 years of service, the S 518 was decommissioned in 2002. Following its decommissioning, it found a new life as a museum ship.

In 2010, the Nazario Sauro (S 518) was permanently docked at the Galata Museo del Mare in Genoa, Italy, where it became Italy’s first submarine museum open to the public. Visitors can now explore the interior of the submarine and learn about its history, the life of submariners, and the technological advancements that it represented during its operational years.

The Nazario Sauro museum provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to walk through the cramped quarters, see the control panels, and understand the challenges faced by submariners on long underwater missions. The museum offers an educational perspective on Italy’s naval history and the role of submarines during the Cold War.

Its transformation into a museum ship allows its legacy to live on, educating new generations about submarine warfare and Italy’s contributions to maritime defense.