The “E. Maio Masci” Naval Museum in Francavilla al Mare is a private institution owned and directly managed by the Associazione Centro Studi Abruzzese di Cultura e Tradizione Navale. The museum is housed in “Torre Ciarrapico”, a historic building in Francavilla al Mare located in the hilly area of the town. It forms part of the municipal heritage and has been entrusted to the Centro Studi on a twenty-year loan for use.
The museum was inaugurated on 20 June 2015 and is arranged over four floors, enriched by functional ancillary areas: a habitable attic housing storage rooms and restoration workshops, and a large enclosed garden, which hosts numerous events, especially in summer, organised directly by the Centro Studi or by other local associations connected to it.
The museum’s mission, and that of the Centro Studi, is to pass on to visitors, especially younger generations, the values and traditions of life at sea through guided tours illustrating a museum collection that ranges from historical finds and technical instruments to clothing and, above all, naval models.
