Giovanni da Verrazzano

Giovanni da Verrazzano was an Italian explorer from the late 15th and early 16th centuries who is best known for his voyages along the eastern coast of North America. In 1524, he sailed under the French flag aiming to find a westward route to Asia. During his journey, he explored and mapped parts of what are now the Atlantic coastlines of the United States, including the New York Harbor. His discoveries helped Europeans understand and navigate the New World, and the famous Verrazzano Bridge in New York City honors his contributions.