Have you ever set foot inside an actual submarine that operated on various missions by sailors from 1967 to 1997? Until September 7, you can visit the secrets of the Toti Submarine in Milan. A real experience not to be missed.
Sixty meters long and weighing more than 300 tons, the Toti submarine is the Museum’s icon, and just 20 years ago in 2005 it was brought to Milan involving as many as 220 thousand people who admired the operation in amazement.
The trip to the city had involved the removal or displacement of 22 traffic lights, 44 lighting poles, and ATM streetcar electric cables. Space had to be made for such a behemoth or it would pull everything down. Carrying it was a vehicle with 2 motorized trolleys for a total of 240 pneumatic wheels. All these numbers should make you realize the titanic feat performed. And increase more your desire to visit the Toti Submarine.
Visiting the Toti Submarine
The Submarine’s journey still lingers in the hearts of the Milanese, a black giant that floated on the asphalt. Now it has become an unavoidable tourist attraction. You have all of August and until Sept. 7 Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enter its belly and marvel.
The S-506 Enrico Toti submarine is on display in the Museum’s outdoor spaces and can be seen by the entire public.
By purchasing an additional ticket, you can go on board and see its interior by participating in a guided tour.
The Toti is an SSK (Submarine-Submarine Killer), a submarine intended to destroy other submarines, and in particular large nuclear-powered missile launchers, one of the Soviet bloc’s most feared weapons. Launched in 1967, it was the first submarine made in Italy after the end of World War II. Its main mission was to guard the Mediterranean Sea to intercept possible Soviet submarines. After ending its operational activity in 1997, it has been at the Museum since 2005 after the long crossing we mentioned earlier.
Some interesting facts:
- Submarine speed: 9.6 knots on the surface | 14 knots underwater
- Testing depth m 300
- Crew 4 Officers and 22 Non-Commissioned Officers, Sub-Commissioned Officers and Commanding Officers
- The submarine weighs 536 tons when empty (on the surface) and 593 tons when fully submerged, due to the water in the ballast tanks needed to go underwater.
If interested in visiting the Toti Submarine, tickets can be found here.