n 1947, Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi secured support from U.S. President Harry Truman for the construction of new ocean liners for the prestigious express service between Genoa, Naples, and New York. De Gasperi thanked Truman by promising, "I will send you the most beautiful ship in the world."
Thus, in 1952, the Andrea Doria was born at the Ansaldo shipyard in Genoa. The ship's exterior design was the work of Nicolò Costanzi, while the interiors were crafted by Gio Ponti and Nino Zoncada, with contributions from Italy's finest artists and artisans. The promise was kept: the Andrea Doria was a dream ship, still regarded today as one of the most captivating vessels ever to sail the oceans.
As Ponti wrote, the Andrea Doria was "the call of Italy's legend: the architectures and grand gardens, the Italy of romantic poets, the Italy of picturesque landscapes, the Italy of masks and great characters, the Italy of traditions, the Italy of beautiful women, the Italy of music, the Italy of songs, the Italy of artists and craftsmanship, the Italy of enchanting ceramics, prodigious glassware, iridescent enamels, and marvellous fabrics. The legendary Italy of Art and History."
In anticipation of the inaugural voyage in December 1952, the shipping company prepared an equally extraordinary advertising campaign for the American public: "These Men Are Building a Ship." The campaign featured images such as Salvatore Fiume painting "The Legend of Italy," the mural that covered the entire main hall, or artisans blowing glass, weaving a tapestry, and sculpting terracotta, all capturing the essence of Italian craftsmanship and artistry.