Laid down 5 March 1921 at the Regio Arsenale dela Spezia as the train ferry Citta de Messina but soon after being launched 20 December 1923 required by the Italian Navy and 25 January 1925 started her rebuilding as a seaplane carrier and commissioned 1 November 1927. After the second World War used as a transport to bring former Italian prisoners of war back to Italy and since until her stricken and scrapping 15 July 1950 used as a barrack ship at Toronto in advance for the crews of torpedo boats.
Displacement unloaded 4.507 tons, 5,400 tonnes and 5,913 tonnes full loaded with the dimensions 121,22 x 14,99 x 5,82m. Dimensions of flight deck 211,6 x 25,2m and height above sea level 23m. Fitted out with two catapults while the seaplanes were transported with cranes in and out of the hangar which was closed or opened with large doors. Armed with 4-102mm guns and 12-13.2mm machineguns and 17 seaplanes on board, in advance the Macchi M. 18 later replaced by the IMAM R0. 43. Her 2 Parsons steam turbines and 8 Yarrow boilers provided 16.700 ship allowing a speed of 21 knots. Her crew numbered included 16 officers 196 men. Her armour existed of a 70mm belt and a 80mm deck.
