Europe Cruiser
Cruiser Eugenio di Savoia was laid down at the Ansaldo shipyard in Genoa in July 1933 and commissioned in January 1936. The cruiser is noted for participating in the blockade of the Spanish Republic and circumnavigating the world. During World War II, the ship actively engaged in military operations in the Mediterranean, including the Battle of Calabria and attacks on Maltese convoys. At the end of 1942, the cruiser was damaged by American aircraft. After the surrender of Italy, she was used as a training ship. In 1951, Eugenio di Savoia was transferred to Greece, where, under the name of Elli, she became the flagship of the Royal Hellenic Navy and the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of Hellenic Fleet. From 1952 through 1958, the cruiser was used for making official visits by the King of Greece.