Arno Shipyard has become a pioneer in adopting innovations in ship design and construction, making Picchiotti a benchmark in the industry. It is a tale steeped in progress and innovation, handed down with passion and skill to the next generation.
The earliest records concerning the Picchiotti family date back to the seventeenth century: it was then that some Spaniards found accommodation in Limite sull'Arno and began building boats there, on the left bank of the river.
Legend has it that their constant beating on wood was responsible for the nickname, which, as is often the case in Tuscany, soon turned into a full-fledged surname.
In 1858 Leopold II, Imperial Prince of Austria and Grand Duke of Tuscany conferred on Gaetano Picchiotti the diploma of the first-class industrial decoration for the way "by which he has made himself well deserving of Tuscan industry as a builder of maritime trade timbers."
In 1935 the "Giuseppe Picchiotti & Figli" shipyard was transformed into the "Arno Shipyard" by Raffaello, Alessandro, Lorenzo and Nello Picchiotti.
In Limite sull'Arno, Cantiere Navale Arno and Cantiere Picchiotti, associated with each other not far from each other, collaborated to meet numerous orders from Italian ministries and foreign governments, before and during the Great Wars.
In 1973 the first Leopard was born in Limite sull'Arno, still a leading brand in the production of large yachts.
There is now a new generation of Picchiotti's continuing the family tradition and leading the shipyard with the dedication and passion that have been passed down from father to son for centuries along with their knowledge.
The last descendants Valentina, Alessia, Francesca and Alessandra in 2020 took over the Cantiere Navale Arno brand and started the Arno P14 project.
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