La Spezia

The History of La Spezia: The Arsenal and the Military Legacy

Unlike other Ligurian settlements that date strictly back to the Middle Ages, La Spezia's major development took place in the 19th century. The visionary Count of Cavour perceived the strategic and military value of the city's deep natural bay and ordered the construction of the country's largest Maritime Military Arsenal, inaugurated in 1869.

This transformation shaped the modern, flat, and orthogonal layout of the city, attracting engineers, sailors, and workers from all over Italy. Carefully rebuilt after the bombings of World War II, La Spezia managed to preserve its Liberty architecture heritage (Italian Art Nouveau) in the elegant facades of its commercial historic center.

What to Do in La Spezia: Must-See Attractions

The city offers a pleasant walking pace and charming urban scenery that deserve to be visited before or after your boat and train trips:

Lungomare and Thaon di Revel Bridge

Lungomare Morin is the contemplative heart of La Spezia. It is a stunning and immense coastal promenade, adorned with imposing palm trees and public gardens that display flowers year-round. It is the ideal spot to watch the coming and going of boats and breathe in the sea breeze. Crossing the waterfront, you will find the spectacular Thaon di Revel Bridge. This modern pedestrian structure displays a bold nautical design supported by cables and white masts reminiscent of sailboats. The bridge opens mechanically for larger boats to pass and connects the promenade directly to the charming yacht marina of Porto Mirabello, where travelers can find cafes, fine shops, and a privileged view of the mountains embracing the gulf.

Castello di San Giorgio

Originally built in the 13th century and robustly expanded by the Genoese in subsequent centuries, this imposing medieval castle dominates the skyline of upper La Spezia. Its thick stone walls served to defend the bay from pirate attacks and invading forces. Access to the top can be achieved through a picturesque walk up ancient staircases or by using the free public elevators installed from Via Prione. Currently, the castle houses the Formentini Civic Archaeological Museum, which keeps rare relics ranging from Bronze Age stela statues to Roman artifacts from the neighboring colony of Luni. From the top of its terrace, the reward is one of the most overwhelming and complete panoramic views of the entire Gulf of Poets.

Naval Technical Museum

Strategically located next to the monumental entrance of Italy's Military Arsenal, this is the country's most relevant naval museum space and a true delight for engineering and military history enthusiasts. The collection recounts the evolution of military navigation with a fantastic collection of carved wooden figureheads—taken from old sailing ships—as well as millimeter-scale models of caravels, galleons, and modern warships. The major highlight is the original equipment and assault submarines used by Italian elite divers during World War I and World War II, highlighting the technical pioneering spirit of the Spezzina base in maritime military history.

Via Prione and the Pedestrian Center

Via Prione acts as the cultural and commercial backbone of La Spezia. This long avenue is completely exclusive to pedestrians, cutting through the historic center from end to end. It pulses with vibrant local life, filled with fashion boutiques, cozy cafes with outdoor seating, and traditional artisan gelaterias. Walking along this axis and the charming cross streets allows you to contemplate the city's beautiful architectural squares, such as Piazza Garibaldi (with its sculpted fountain) and Piazza Verdi, known for its striking conceptual columns and public buildings boasting the Liberty design of the Italian belle époque.

Amedeo Lia Civic Museum

Frequently nicknamed by art critics as the "little Louvre" of Liguria, this international-level museum is housed inside a perfectly restored 17th-century Franciscan monastic complex. The venue houses the exceptional collection donated by engineer Amedeo Lia. The collection impresses with its extreme variety and technical quality, encompassing everything from delicate medieval miniatures, illuminations, and ivory sculptures to a prestigious Renaissance pinacoteca. Walking through its silent rooms, visitors come face to face with authentic masterpieces signed by painting geniuses such as Tintoretto, Titian, Canaletto, Bernardo Daddi, and Pietro Lorenzetti.

Must-Try Specialties

• La Mesciua: The city's most traditional dish. It is a rustic winter soup made with a cooked mixture of chickpeas, beans, and wheat grains, seasoned simply with excellent local olive oil and plenty of black pepper.
• Muscoli Ripieni: "Muscoli" (as mussels are called in Liguria) are raised in historic marine farms within the Gulf of La Spezia itself. In this classic recipe, they are stuffed with a rich mixture of bread, eggs, Parmigiano cheese, and herbs, slow-cooked in fresh tomato sauce.
• Sgabei: Thin strips of bread dough that are fried in hot oil until golden and puffed up. They are served hot, dusted with salt, and accompanied by local soft cheeses (like Crescenza) and regional salami.
• Farinata con Stracchino: The chickpea flour tart baked in a wood-fired oven gains a creamy and delicious variation in La Spezia with the addition of melted stracchino cheese on top.

Luxury and Romantic Restaurants

Refined cuisine, artistic presentations, and sophisticated wine lists in intimate settings.

• Ristorante Da Prino: Sophisticated atmosphere next to Porto Mirabello. Offers elegant reinterpretations of classic seafood dishes, extremely fine carpaccios, and deep-water fish cooked at low temperatures (€22 to €32 per main course).
  **Average Price:** €50 to €80 per person.
• Ristorante Osteria della Corte: Hidden behind a charming entrance in the historic center, it features a romantic candlelit indoor courtyard. Offers refined tasting menus that blend sea and land (€55 to €75 per person).
  **Average Price:** €60 to €90 per person.
• Ristorante Akua da Mirabello: Located on the structures of Porto Mirabello, with outdoor tables overlooking luxury yachts and the sea. Known for impeccable tuna tartares and grilled local lobsters (€26 to €38 per dish).
  **Average Price:** €70 to €100 per person.
• Ristorante Vicolo Intherno: Located in a quiet historic alley. Combines ancient exposed brick architecture with soft, intimate lighting. Offers fine pastas with truffles and noble seafood (€18 to €28).
  **Average Price:** €45 to €70 per person.

Central Station Area

**Main Advantage:** Unbeatable logistic proximity. Perfect for travelers with heavy luggage whose main focus is taking quick daily train day-trips to Cinque Terre without wasting time on internal commutes.

• Hotel Firenze e Continentale: Just 50 meters from the boarding platform.
  • Nearby attractions: Centrale Station (1 min), Via Prione (3 min), Amedeo Lia Museum (8 min).
  • Decision Factor: Total comfort and transport convenience.
• CDH Hotel La Spezia: Modern and functional executive structure.
  • Nearby attractions: Centrale Station (5 min), Piazza Garibaldi (5 min), Castello di San Giorgio (10 min).
  • Decision Factor: Excellent value for money and accessibility without staircases.

Historic Center and Port Area

**Main Advantage:** Residential charm and nightlife atmosphere. Ideal for those who prefer to walk out to dinner at romantic trattorias and want proximity to the ferries leading to Porto Venere.

• NH La Spezia: Chain hotel with a frontal view of the bay.
  • Nearby attractions: Lungomare Morin (1 min), Thaon di Revel Bridge (3 min), Ferry Terminal (4 min).
  • Decision Factor: Premium scenic location and total proximity to the sea.
• The Poet Hotel: Boutique hotel with a cool, contemporary design.
  • Nearby attractions: Via Prione (1 min), Amedeo Lia Museum (4 min), Castle Elevators (6 min).
  • Decision Factor: Immersion in local pedestrian promenade life and attractive rates.

How to Get to La Spezia

Since La Spezia does not have its own commercial airport, the main and most structured gateway for international travelers is Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). It is the country's largest airport hub, operating direct flights and very high-frequency daily connections from major South American capitals (such as São Paulo and Buenos Aires), as well as direct intercontinental connections from the United States (New York, Miami, Los Angeles), major European capitals (London, Paris, Lisbon, Madrid, Berlin), and various other parts of the world.

Landing in Rome Fiumicino, you have excellent and integrated logistical alternatives at your disposal to reach the center of La Spezia:

• By Train (Recommended Option): Take the Leonardo Express express train from the airport to Rome Termini station (32 min, €14). From Termini, direct high-speed trains (Frecciabianca) or Intercity trains depart, arriving at La Spezia Centrale station in about 4 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  **Average price for the long leg:** €25 to €55.
• By Rental Car: Picking up the vehicle directly at the airport terminals. The route follows the A12/E80 highways skirting the Tyrrhenian coast to La Spezia. Distance of 410 km.
  **Average time:** 4h15 of travel. **Costs:** fuel (~€60) + Italian tolls (~€35).
• By Long-Distance Bus: Companies like FlixBus operate long-distance intermunicipal lines departing from Rome Tiburtina bus station to the center of La Spezia.
  **Average time:** 6h30 to 7h35 of travel. **Average price:** €15 to €35.
• By Taxi / Private Transfer: Due to the long geographic distance between the capital's airport and Liguria, the service requires prior booking with executive agencies.
  **Average time:** 4h15 of travel. **Average price:** €600 to €850 per way.
• By Regional Air Connection: It is possible to buy an internal air connection ticket from Rome to the small Pisa Airport or Genoa Airport. From Pisa or Genoa, you take a direct 1-hour regional train to La Spezia Centrale (€8 to €12).
  **Total airport-train transit time:** ~3 hours. **Average domestic flight price:** €45 to €120.

Getting Around La Spezia

The urban core of La Spezia is mostly flat, organized, and straightforward. Transportation alternatives perfectly meet the following current costs:

On Foot

The pedestrian zone, historic squares, art museums, and maritime promenades are all integrated. Walking from the Central Station to the ferry terminal takes about 15 to 20 minutes in a straight line down commercial Via Prione.
**Cost:** Free.

City Bus (ATC Network)

Used mainly to access peripheral residential neighborhoods, distant beaches, and the village of Porto Venere.
• **Single ticket price (purchased in advance at tobacconists/Edicole):** €1.50 (valid for 60 minutes).
• **Single ticket price purchased on board directly from the driver:** €2.50.

Public Elevators

Mechanically connect Via Prione to the hill where Castello di San Giorgio is located, saving tourists from climbing steep slopes carrying bags.
**Cost:** 100% Free.

Optimized 1-Day Itinerary

Smart circuit ideal for absorbing the city's urban history and enjoying the maritime atmosphere in about 7 hours of total walking activities.

Morning: Pedestrian Axis and Medieval Fortress (Time: 3h)

Start the tour by walking down vibrant Via Prione. For breakfast, stop at the traditional Pasticceria Silvana to enjoy an impeccable cappuccino and a very fresh filled cornetto (Average price: €4 to €6). Take the free public elevator and go up to Castello di San Giorgio to appreciate the historical finds and the stunning morning panoramic view of the gulf.

Typical Market Lunch (Time: 1h30)

Head down to Piazza Cavour to experience the commercial movement of Mercato Civico. Have lunch at the indoor tables savoring a giant portion of golden Sgabei with stracchino cheese and artisan Ligurian salami (Average price: €12 to €15 per person).

Afternoon: Naval Tradition and Waterfront (Time: 2h30)

Walk toward the sea to explore the rare war relics and historical watercraft of the Naval Technical Museum. Upon leaving, walk beneath the shade of the palm trees on Lungomare Morin and cross the futuristic cables of the Thaon di Revel Bridge to see the yachts docked in Porto Mirabello.

Closing Dinner

End your day by booking a table at the very traditional Osteria All'Inferno (just a few steps from Via Prione). Try the authentic La Mesciua grain soup accompanied by stuffed mussels in tomato sauce (Average price: €20 to €30 per person with house wine).

Complete 2-Day Itinerary

Add artistic refinement, shopping trips, and sophisticated dinners on a second day paced with 6 hours of complementary activities.

Day 1: Fortresses and Waterfront

Complete the full cultural steps described in the 1-day schedule.

Day 2: Classical Arts and Haute Cuisine

Morning: The Little Louvre of Liguria (Time: 2h30)

For breakfast, choose one of the outdoor tables at the elegant Caffè del Teatro (in Piazza Verdi) and enjoy an artisan brioche and a double Italian espresso (Average price: €5 to €7). Head to the historic convent hosting the Amedeo Lia Civic Museum and dedicate the morning to appreciating the Renaissance paintings of Titian and Tintoretto.

Elegant Lunch in the Center (Time: 1h30)

Pause for lunch at the cozy Trattoria Il Torchio, enjoying a plate of homemade pasta with pesto accompanied by fresh grilled fish from the Riviera (Average price: €22 to €32 per person).

Afternoon: Liberty Architecture and Shopping (Time: 2h)

Explore modern Piazza Verdi and neighboring commercial alleys on foot to contemplate the beautiful decorative details of the city's Liberty facades. Take the opportunity to shop in elegant local boutiques and end the afternoon savoring a gelato at the famous Gelateria Vernazza (€3 to €5).

Romantic Farewell Dinner

Celebrate your last night by booking a candlelit table in the charming indoor courtyard of the renowned Ristorante Osteria della Corte. Enjoy the contemporary seafood tasting menu with local Vermentino white wines (Average price: €60 to €85 per person).