Pietro Orseolo

History: Pietro Orseolo was one of nine ships built by SIDARMA under an Italian government financial incentive program. She was in Japan when Italy entered the war and became a successful blockade runner, making three trips between Japan and Occupied France. When Italy surrendered, Pietro Orseolo was taken by the Germans and continued blockade running until she was finally sunk by Coastal Command torpedoes.

Class: The Andrea Gritti class ships were cargo ships that were heavily used in the second world war for material transport. In 1938, the Italian government issued financial incentives and production targets for modern cargo ships to support the expanding war effort in Africa. These modern ships became the backbone of the Italian Mediterranean convoys.

Nationality: Italy, a European country with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s "David" and Brunelleschi's Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.