Where the heart of traditional shipbuilding beats
At a crossroads in the Argolic Gulf, Spetses has refined the art of shipbuilding in the karnagia of the Old Harbour— a living treasure of maritime tradition worth to be explored. The term “karnagia” refers to traditional shipyards where wooden vessels are built and maintained, a craft that has continued uninterrupted for centuries across the Argosaronic Gulf.
In these open-air workshops of craftsmanship, master shipbuilders work with the tools and passion of their ancestors, constructing and repairing traditional wooden fishing boats and other vessels that reflect the island’s rich seafaring heritage. The scene feels like an open-air museum, where the scent of timber, wood shavings, and the sea carries you on a journey through the island’s history.
Spetses’ maritime tradition dates back to the mid-17th century. From the late 18th century, the people of Spetses developed a powerful merchant fleet, with sailing ships travelling from the Black Sea all the way to the Atlantic. It is no coincidence that by 1868, the island’s karnagia recorded the highest number of ship constructions in Greece after Syros. In fact, the merchant vessels of the Spetses inhabitants sailed throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
These karnagia produced some of the most significant ships in Greek maritime history, including the legendary the Agamemnon of Laskarina Bouboulina, completed in 1820. In more recent times, vessels such as the Argo—a replica of an ancient ship—and the Maria, commissioned by Stavros Niarchos, were also built here.
The atmosphere of the shiptyards offers a direct connection to the island’s history and spirit. And if you continue toward the lighthouse, an unexpected encounter awaits: a series of sculptures created by the Greek sculptor Natalia Mela.
In these open-air workshops of craftsmanship, master shipbuilders work with the tools and passion of their ancestors, constructing and repairing traditional wooden fishing boats and other vessels that reflect the island’s rich seafaring heritage. The scene feels like an open-air museum, where the scent of timber, wood shavings, and the sea carries you on a journey through the island’s history.
Spetses’ maritime tradition dates back to the mid-17th century. From the late 18th century, the people of Spetses developed a powerful merchant fleet, with sailing ships travelling from the Black Sea all the way to the Atlantic. It is no coincidence that by 1868, the island’s karnagia recorded the highest number of ship constructions in Greece after Syros. In fact, the merchant vessels of the Spetses inhabitants sailed throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
These karnagia produced some of the most significant ships in Greek maritime history, including the legendary the Agamemnon of Laskarina Bouboulina, completed in 1820. In more recent times, vessels such as the Argo—a replica of an ancient ship—and the Maria, commissioned by Stavros Niarchos, were also built here.
The atmosphere of the shiptyards offers a direct connection to the island’s history and spirit. And if you continue toward the lighthouse, an unexpected encounter awaits: a series of sculptures created by the Greek sculptor Natalia Mela.
