Floating Naval Museum - The Battleship "Georgios Averoff"

Courtesy: Museum Averof

A battleship that became the undefeated symbol of a nation over 40 years of service to Greece.

When was it built

During 1908-1911 in Livorno, Italy.

What's the story

The Battleship G. Averoff—the crown jewel of the Greek Navy—was purchased from the Italian Navy for 24 million drachmas (around €70,000 in today’s worth). One third of the sum was donated by the estate of Georgios Averoff, a Greek tycoon. The battleship was launched on March 12, 1910 and decommissioned in 1952.

Why it's important

It’s hard to understate the value of the Averoff in Greece’s naval history. It led Greece into victory during the Balkan Wars of 1910-1912, and assisted in the transport of refugees from Asia Minor in 1922. Today, it operates as a museum, thus fulfilling its benefactor’s wishes.

Must-see

It is the only armoured cruiser in the world, so everything is a must-see.

Fun fact

The ship was tenderly referred to as Barba Yiorgis, meaning “Papa George”—a sign of its emotional significance for the Greeks.

Courtesy: Museum Averof