1989 R 200 Lire Italian Coin. Celebrating Taranto Naval Arsenal- Italians Navy Base. 200 Lira Graded By Seller Circulated Condition

The Taranto Naval Arsenal is a naval base and shipyard located in the city of Taranto, Italy. It is one of the oldest and most important naval bases in the Mediterranean Sea, and has played a significant role in Italian naval history. The arsenal was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, who ruled Taranto at the time. It was later expanded and modernized by the Austrians, who ruled Taranto from 1707 to 1734. In 1861, after the unification of Italy, the arsenal was taken over by the Italian Navy. The arsenal has played a major role in the development of Italian naval technology. It was the site of the construction of the first Italian ironclad warship, the Ruggiero di Lauria, in 1861. The arsenal also built the first Italian submarines, in 1906. The arsenal was also the site of two important naval battles in World War II. In November 1940, British aircraft launched a surprise attack on the Italian fleet in Taranto, sinking three battleships and damaging two others. This was the first time that an enemy fleet had been attacked by aircraft from an aircraft carrier. In September 1943, Allied forces landed near Taranto as part of the invasion of Italy. The arsenal was captured by the Allies on September 9, 1943. The Taranto Naval Arsenal is still in use today by the Italian Navy. It is a major center for the maintenance and repair of ships, and it also produces a variety of naval weapons and equipment.