Part of the Zara-class heavy cruisers consisting of the Zara, Fiume, Gorizia and Pola, preceded by the Trento-class and succeeded by the Bolzano-class. Laid down by OTO Livorno Shipyard, Italy on 17 March 1931, launched on 5 December 1931, commissioned on 21 December 1932 and sunk in the Battle of Matapan against the British fleet on 29 March 1941.
With an increased forwards superstructure while she was to serve as squadron flagship. With a displacement of 14.168 (full load) tons and as dimensions 179,6 (waterline)-182,8 (over all) x 20,6 x 7,2 metres or 599.6 x 67.7 x 23.7 feet. The machinery consisted of 2 Parsons steam turbines and 8 oil-fuelled Thornycroft boilers supplying 95.000 shp allowing a speed of 29 (service)-32 knots and with a speed of 16 knots a range of 5.361 nautical miles. Crew numbered 841 men. Armament consisted of 4x2-20,3cm/8” /53cal guns, 8x2-10cm/4” /46 cal guns, 6x1-4cm /1.6”Vickers-Terni cal 39 guns and 4x2-12,7mm/0.50” machineguns. The secondary armament was regularly changed in her career. Carried 2 IMAM Ro 43 seaplanes with her for which she was fitted out with a hangar fore and a catapult. Armour consisted of a 7cm/2.8” thick deck, a 15cm/5.9” thick belt. 15cm/5.9” thick turret faces and with the barbettes protected by 15cm/5.9”.
