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Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro, 19122 La Spezia, Italy (September 2018)
La Spezia
La Spezia, a bustling port city on the north-western coast of Italy, is one of Liguria’s hidden gems. Nestled between the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea and the rugged hills of the Apuan Alps, La Spezia offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While often overshadowed by nearby destinations like the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere, La Spezia has its own unique charm and plays a pivotal role as a gateway to some of the most famous and picturesque locales in Italy. Historically, La Spezia has been a significant maritime hub, serving as a naval base since the 19th century. The city’s naval importance is still evident today in its impressive harbour, one of the largest military and commercial ports in Italy. The Arsenale Militare Marittimo, built in the mid-19th century, remains a symbol of the city’s naval prowess, while the Museo Tecnico Navale (Naval Technical Museum) offers a deep dive into Italy’s maritime history. This naval heritage, combined with La Spezia’s picturesque setting, makes it a fascinating destination for history buffs and those interested in maritime culture. The city’s historical centre is an inviting mix of elegant architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant public squares. The pedestrian friendly Via del Prione is a focal point of the city, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, where both locals and visitors gather to enjoy La Spezia’s laid-back atmosphere. Strolling through this street leads to landmarks such as the Castello di San Giorgio, a medieval fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the city. The castle not only offers breath-taking views of La Spezia and its harbour but also houses a museum with archaeological artifacts from the Ligurian region, showcasing the city’s ancient roots.
Art and culture play an important role in La Spezia’s identity. The Museo Amedeo Lia, named after its founder, is one of Italy’s most important private art collections. The museum is home to works from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, featuring artists such as Titian and Canaletto. Another cultural highlight is the CAMeC, (Centre of Modern and Contemporary Art), which exhibits works from modern and contemporary Italian artists. Beyond its cultural and historical treasures, La Spezia is renowned for its strategic location. It is the primary gateway to the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its five picturesque villages perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Just a short train ride from La Spezia, the Cinque Terre is a popular destination for hiking, scenic views, and charming coastal towns. Additionally, the nearby town of Porto Venere, with its colourful harbour, medieval castle, and stunning sea views, is another must-see destination easily accessible from La Spezia.
For nature lovers, La Spezia is surrounded by natural beauty. The Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Golfo dei Poeti, (Gulf of Poets), is a coastal paradise named after the many poets and writers, including Lord Byron and Percy Shelley, who found inspiration here. The nearby Apuan Alps offer hiking and adventure opportunities, while the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea provide excellent spots for boating and swimming. La Spezia’s culinary scene is another draw, offering a taste of traditional Ligurian cuisine. Visitors can savour local dishes such as farinata (a savoury chickpea pancake), fresh seafood, and pesto alla genovese, the region’s famous basil-based sauce. The city’s markets, especially the daily food market in Piazza Cavour, are great places to sample local produce and experience the region’s rich culinary culture. La Spezia is a city that combines the vibrancy of a working port with the serenity of its coastal and mountainous surroundings. Whether used as a base to explore the nearby Cinque Terre or enjoyed on its own for its rich history, cultural institutions, and scenic beauty, La Spezia offers a unique and authentic Italian experience that captures the spirit of Liguri
Worth a Visit
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi in La Spezia is one of the city’s most vibrant and recognizable public spaces, located just a short distance from the main railway station, La Spezia Centrale. The square, dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the celebrated hero of Italian unification, serves as both a symbolic tribute to national history and a lively gathering point within the modern urban fabric. Its central position makes it a natural meeting place for residents and visitors alike, as it forms a gateway between the station, the commercial heart of the city, and the streets that lead toward the historic centre and the seafront. The piazza is distinguished by its sense of openness and greenery, offering a contrast to the dense grid of surrounding streets.
Via del Prione is one of the most iconic and lively streets in La Spezia, a city in the Liguria region of northern Italy. Stretching through the historic centre, it is a pedestrian thoroughfare that embodies the character of the city, combining history, culture, and daily life in a single urban corridor. For both residents and visitors, Via del Prione is much more than just a street: it is a vibrant artery where tradition meets modernity, and where the rhythm of the city can best be experienced on foot. The origins of Via del Prione date back to the Middle Ages, when it formed part of the main route that connected the early nucleus of La Spezia to its surrounding areas.
The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta, located in the heart of La Spezia, is one of the city’s most important places of worship and a significant landmark within its historical and cultural landscape. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the parish church reflects the deep religious traditions of the region while also bearing witness to the historical transformations that have shaped La Spezia over the centuries. Its presence in the urban centre gives it both spiritual and civic importance, as it has long served as a focal point for community life, faith, and local identity. The origins of the church date back to medieval times, when La Spezia was still a modest settlement along the Ligurian coast.
The Giardini Pubblici of La Spezia, also known as the Public Gardens, are among the city’s most beloved and picturesque green spaces. Situated along Viale Mazzini, close to the seafront and within walking distance of the historic centre, the gardens provide a refreshing oasis of tranquillity in the midst of urban life. Established in the nineteenth century during a period of major transformation for La Spezia, the Giardini Pubblici were conceived as part of the city’s modernization, offering both residents and visitors a place for leisure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. Today, they remain one of the most frequented spots in the city, cherished for their beauty, accessibility, and historical significance. The layout of the gardens reflects the influence of the nineteenth-century taste for orderly, decorative public spaces. Shaded pathways, flowerbeds, and rows of palm trees create an elegant atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxing.
Photo Gallery of Walk – Stazione La Spezia Centrale, Piazzetta Ancona to Passeggiata Costantino Morin
Approximately 4.52 km – 2.80 miles
The walk sarts at Stazione La Spezia Centrale – Piazzetta Ancona – Via Fiume – Piazza Saint Bon – Via Fiume – Via Lazzaro Spallanzani – Via del Prione – Via Napoli – Walk back along Via Napoli to Via del Prione – Via del Vecchio Ospedale – Via del Prione – Salita Quintino Sella – Via XX Settembre – Walk back down to Salita Quintino Sella – Via del Prione – Via Baldassarre Biassa – Piazza Giulio Beverini – Walk back to Via del Prione – Via Calatafimi, Piazza Sant’ Agostino – Walk back to Via del Prione – Via Armando Diaz Giardini Pubblici – Banchina Thaon di Revel – Walk back to – Passeggiata Costantino Morin
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