Shipyards of Limite sull'Arno

The village of Limite sull'Arno sits on the south bank of the Arno, and the river explains everything about it. For centuries the Arno was Tuscany's highway, and Limite — with timber from the surrounding Montalbano hills close at hand — became the principal shipbuilding centre of the Grand Duchy. The tradition quietly survived the age of steam and road transport.

Working boatyards still operate on the riverbank, producing rowing and sailing craft ranging from competition racing shells to traditional river boats. It is an unusual sight: skilled craftsmen shaping wood by hand in small yards, not far from the heart of Tuscany. The village's canoe society, founded in 1861, is the oldest in Italy and still organises races on the Arno.

things to do sight historic
A story
Limite sull'Arno became the principal shipbuilding centre of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the 18th century — a remarkable fact for a small inland commune on a river. The tradition never entirely died: working yards on the Arno still build racing shells and traditional wooden boats today, and the town's canoe society, founded in 1861, is the oldest in Italy.