A Guide to La Spezia

La Spezia is located just inland from the coast in the south of Liguria. La Spezia is one of largest towns in Liguria, and can be considered as the provincial capital of this region of Liguria. Its location makes an ideal base for exploring many of Liguria’s most beautiful regions.

Cinque Terre is in close proximity and the town itself is found within the stunning Golfo dei Poeti. It is well known for its naval docklands and the Naval Arsenal was built here in the 1860’s. The Castle of St Giorgio which is found on Poggio hill is a reminder of the cities history. Excursions around the city are popular and include the Crinale Path, the Via dell’Amore, the route from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, the walk tracing the castles of the region, and the Val di Vara with the sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie.

However there is also a range of attractions within La Spezia itself: the Museum del Sigillo within the Palazzina delle Arti Lucio R. Rosaia, the Amedeo Lia Museum in the Convent of the Frati Minimi di San Francesco di Paola, the Formentoni Civic Museum with works by Bellini and Titian, the Museo del Castelo, the Nautical Museum of Spezia and the Geopaleontological Museum which holds remains found in the Lerici area.

The Museo Tecnico Navale is one of the town’s highlights and claims to be one of the best of its kind in the world. It is located close to the Navel Arsenal at Viale Amendola. It is an ideal town for maritime lovers, walkers and those wishing to appreciate the cultural and natural beauty of this area of Liguria.