La Spezia

La Spezia is a port city in the Liguria region of northern Italy, located at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia, often referred to as the Gulf of Poets. It is the second-largest city in Liguria after Genoa and serves as a major Italian Navy base and commercial harbor.

While often used as a gateway to more famous nearby destinations like the Cinque Terre, La Spezia itself offers a rich blend of history, culture, and a vibrant local atmosphere.

Key Highlights and Attractions

1. Maritime and Naval History La Spezia’s identity is deeply tied to the sea and its role as a naval hub.

• Technical Naval Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale): This is one of the most important naval museums in Italy. It offers a deep dive into the country’s seafaring legacy with exhibits that include:
  • An impressive collection of historical ship figureheads.
  • Scale models of ships, including Roman and Venetian boats.
  • Antique maritime instruments, weapons, and early radio equipment from Guglielmo Marconi’s experiments.
  • Sections dedicated to torpedoes and manned torpedoes (“maiali”).
• Historic Naval Arsenal (Arsenale Militare Marittimo): An 1800s maritime arsenal that is still a functioning naval base today, attesting to the city’s ongoing military importance.

2. Art and Culture The city has a number of excellent museums that showcase its artistic and cultural heritage.

• Amedeo Lia Museum: Housed in a former 17th-century convent, this museum features a significant collection of paintings, bronze sculptures, and illuminated miniatures, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
• St. George’s Castle (Castello di San Giorgio): This hilltop fortress dates back to the 13th and 17th centuries. It houses the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from the local Lunigiana region.
• Museum of Seals (Museo del Sigillo): A unique museum dedicated to the art and history of seals from ancient Egypt to modern times.
• Historic Center: Explore the historic core with its quaint streets, art nouveau-style villas, and the bustling outdoor market at Piazza Cavour for fresh local produce.

3. Waterfront and Gardens The city’s port area is a pleasant place for a stroll.

• Passeggiata Morin: A palm-lined promenade along the harbor offering beautiful views of the Gulf of Poets and a path to the modern Ponte Thaon di Revel connecting to Porto Mirabello.
• Public Gardens (Parco Giardini Pubblici): A green oasis in the city center featuring a variety of plants and the statue of national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Surrounding Areas and Day Trips

La Spezia is a perfect base for exploring the stunning Ligurian coastline.

• Cinque Terre: The five picturesque, cliff-side villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare) are easily accessible by train or boat from La Spezia.
• Gulf of Poets (Golfo della Spezia): This area includes the beautiful towns of Portovenere (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Lerici. The name comes from the numerous poets, including Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who were inspired by the area’s beauty.
• Inland Areas: The province also includes the authentic rural beauty of the Val di Vara and Val di Magra, offering opportunities for hiking, sampling local wines, and visiting charming, less-touristed villages.

Local Cuisine

The local gastronomy is a fusion of Ligurian and Tuscan flavors. Must-try specialties include:

• Focaccia: A beloved local bread, often enjoyed with a morning cappuccino.
• Pesto: The region is famous for its vibrant basil pesto.
• Seafood: Dishes featuring locally harvested mussels and anchovies, such as acciughe al limone (anchovies with lemon).