La Spezia (for the people of La Spezia, simply La Spezia) is a small but very pretty city overlooking the Golfo dei Poeti and, even if it is not counted among the most popular destinations like the places in the immediate vicinity (Le Cinque Terre for example), it is able to offer a variety of very interesting entertainment. Sandwiched between the sea and the mountains, it is indeed easy to be enraptured by the lure of the city centre's streets and its contrast between contemporary architecture and Art Nouveau buildings, so we invite you to discover it by listing the 10 must-see things to see in La Spezia in a weekend.
What to see in La Spezia
1 - Castle of San Giorgio
Since the year 2000, the Castle of San Giorgio has also become the seat of the Civic Archaeological Museum following a total refurbishment, making it the oldest museum institution in the city. In this sense, the Castle of San Giorgio was placed on the Poggio hill dominating the Gulf of La Spezia. The special feature of this museum is that it contains evidence from prehistoric and protohistoric times, in particular you will find stele statues from the Copper and Iron Ages that bring to mind what the castles of the ancient Ligurians might have been like, as well as lithic and fittilee tombs with their grave goods, all of which are strongly present in the La Spezia area. On the upper level you can then admire the famous Fabbricotti collection, an art expert who has made available to the community pieces of unique value that testify to the richness and variety of the public life of the Luni over a period of more than ten centuries.
In 2010, the museum was enriched with new interesting exhibits, including the placement of a Luni mosaic depicting a Nereid on a sea monster and also a sea monster and figurative terracotta architectural slabs from the Roman period.
How to get there: On foot from the central station (500 m) along Via del Prione and take the free lifts up to the castle there. By car from the A15 motorway in the direction of La Spezia centre and up via XXVII Marzo, where there are parking spaces - Get directions
Openinghours: winter: Wednesday to Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Spring/autumn: Wednesday to Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Summer: Wednesday to Sunday 10:30-17:30; Monday 10:30-13:30
Ticket price: €5.00 per person, €4.00 concessions per person for children 6-18 years and over 65, €3.50 for school groups outside the municipality and free admission for children up to 6 years, journalists, tour guides
2 - The Technical Naval Museum
The Naval Technical Museum in La Spezia is a testimony, in the complex of all Italian naval museums, to Italy's very ancient naval history: its origins are over 50 years old and the entrance is located right next to the main entrance of the city's military arsenal. Since 1958 it has been the official seat, whereas previously to visit it one had to go to the mechanical workshops inside the military establishment (first opened in 1923). Among the rooms is the Naval Evolution room, where you will find a rich collection of scale models, dating from 1860 to 1910, of vessels from the navies of the Italian states at the time of sailing or relics from the collection of figureheads of vessels from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Also take a look at the underwater weapons room with the history of the evolution of the torpedo from the first one employed precisely by the navy back in 1875 to those used in the nearest World Wars, and the assault weapons room in which you will admire a real documentation of the remains unharmed by the World War of the Cricket and the prototype of a device. Finally, the room dedicated to antique weapons houses, among others, two Moorish pusher guns from the 16th century, a Turkish cannon from 1521, two small bombards from 1784, and a 10-barrel Gatling machine gun from the turn of the century.
How to get there: The entrance is in Piazza Chiodo, which can be reached by public transport in 15 minutes from the railway station and is a short walk from the city harbour - Get directions
Hours: daily from 08:30 to 19:30
Ticket cost: admission is free; a compulsory oblation of €1.55 is required in favour of the Andrea Doria Institute (set up to provide 'assistance to the children of sailors who died in the line of duty')
3 - Via del Prione, the Carugio Drito
For the people of La Spezia, the street was originally called the Carugio Drito not because it was straight but because it was the main street and is most probably the oldest street in the centre of La Spezia; the etymology of its name probably means'big stone', from the Genoese pria, a stone on which in ancient times (perhaps in the 15th century) the messengers read the decrees of the Genoese Republic. Today, it is the city's strolling and shopping centre: there are bars, cafés, fashion shops of all kinds and a characteristic liveliness (it is rumoured among Ligurians that the German composer Richard Wagner, a guest in an inn on Via del Prione, found inspiration in hearing the morning hubbub coming from the street for the opening crescendo of the overture toRhinegold).
How to get there: located in the historic centre, 10 minutes walk from the main train station, or using bus lines 3, L and S which always leave from the station (cost €1.50 per person) - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
4 - Amedeo Lia Civic Museum
The initiator of this splendid collection was Amedeo Lia, from Genoa, who donated it to the city of La Spezia, facilitating the inauguration of the museum in 1996. The collection includes around 1,000 works, arranged in 13 rooms, of great variety, from the classical era, to late antiquity, the Middle Ages and ending with the 18th century; there are paintings, miniatures, sculptures in bronze, copper, ivory, wood, glass, majolica and art objects documenting the taste and culture of art in Italy and Europe.
In the collection, the so-called'primitives' are a real gem, with over seventy panels by Pietro Lorenzetti, Bernardo Daddi, Lippo Memmi, etc.; also many tempera paintings and canvases including a probable young Raphael, Pontormo, Titian, Tintoretto, Canaletto.
How to get there: it is located in a pedestrian area and therefore inaccessible to cars and coaches. From the railway station, walk along Via Prione for about 10 minutes, in the direction of the sea, to number 234 where the Museum is located - Get directions
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ticket price: €10.00 per person, €7.00 for large groups and for 14-18 year olds, €5.00 for the over 70s and children aged 6-13, free for university students from literary and humanities faculties, accompanying groups and for those celebrating their birthday on the day of the museum visit
5 - The Market
La Spezia's famous market has its roots in the 19th century and has never closed since it became operational. The architectural structure has recently been renovated, replacing the old wrought-iron building. But the market retains its characteristic liveliness and above all the most typical local products known as '0 km', because many of the vendors who attract the attention of patrons cultivate their land in the La Spezia area. A large sector of the market is dedicated to fresh fish caught right in the nearest seas; if by chance you find yourself at the market at lunchtime, as is tradition, you can stop to eat a typical Mesciua in the ancient Trattoria dell'Inferno, a basement where the oldest La Spezia recipes are prepared.
How to get there: on foot along Corso Cavour, but Via del Prione is also very close by - Get directions
Hours: every day except Sunday
6 - Steps of La Spezia
An interesting way to get to know the city is to explore its stairways: they join the lower part of the city, at sea level, to its 'hills', and choosing to climb one of the urban stairways allows you to appreciate some of the Art Nouveau details of the stairways themselves and of the buildings that line them.
The Cernaia staircase and its 'sister', dedicated to Lazzaro Spallanzani, are two of the city's most famous: the former, named for the Crimean battle won by the Piedmontese and French against the Russians, has fortunately remained unscathed over time and dates back to the early 20th century, while the latter bears witness to radical changes, especially in its lower part, during the Second World War as it was an air-raid shelter for the people of La Spezia.
The two staircases are embellished by perspective effects, by the steps shaped to allow water to drain away, and by the railings that twist around double flights of stairs in a fan shape.
The view from the stairways is unique and unrepeatable: you will catch a glimpse of the buildings with their ancient decorations dating back to the 20th and 19th centuries. Lastly, we would like to point out the Scalinata di San Giorgio (St George's Staircase), from the top of which you will observe a uniquely suggestive Ligurian panorama, made up of banks overhanging the sea.
How to get there: They are all within walking distance of the centre of La Spezia and the city's railway station(Get directions to the Scalinata della Cenaia - Get directions to the Scalinata di Lazzaro Spallanzani)
Hours: always accessible
7 - Piazza Verdi
After several and numerous renovations, the square now has a completely new appearance. It was designed by French architect Daniel Buren, who inserted new architectural elements, square arches and coloured totems, on the old square structure, and drew perpendicular lines on the facing streets. The square presents some striking views, even at night. Piazza Verdi is overlooked by the Palazzo delle Poste, designed by architect Angiolo Mazzoni, one of the greatest designers of functional public buildings of the Fascist period. Some mosaics by Fillia and Prampolini are also extremely interesting, testifying to the futurist artistic influence on the city from the 1930s onwards.
How to get there: if you walk down the San Giorgio steps, you will reach it after a few steps, however if you are at the train station, you will be in Piazza Cavour in 14 minutes with buses 1, 12, 14 and 16 (cost €1.50 per person) - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
8 - The Tahon di Revel Bridge
Consisting of white and typically modern elements, the Revel Bridge immediately catches the eye of those arriving from the sea or walking along the city's waterfront. Constructed in 2014, it is a drawbridge with a contemporary and interesting concept, linking the marina to the city's historic centre via the public gardens. The particularity of this bridge is that it was designed to enhance the promenade with its play of colours given by the presence of the white of the structure, which at sunset and especially at night culminates in the spectacular!
How to get there: using the PIANAZZE, 3, L buses, you reach the bridge in 15 minutes, or a 9-minute walk from the central Via Del Prione - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
9 - Public gardens
Many of La Spezia's festivals, such as the Sea Festival and the St Joseph's Fair, take place at the gardens. As you enter, you will notice many elements typical of the Art Nouveau period (generally present throughout the town) contrasting with the many botanical species present there, making it a place to stroll along the seafront, nature and the statue of Garibaldi on horseback.
How to get there: bordered to the south by Viale Italia, it takes 6 minutes from Via Del Prione, 9 minutes by bus (C, L, S, SC) from the railway station - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
10 - Morin Promenade
TheMorin promenade is one of the most pleasant places in La Spezia: counted among the city's main symbols, it is characterised by a double row of palm trees with a mixed panorama consisting of the Apuan Alps to the east, the hills on the opposite side and the seafront dominating the scene.
Every first Sunday in August, the Palio del Golfo festivity is celebrated here, involving all the seaside villages from Lerici to Portovenere, in which the best rowers in the Ligurian area compete in an exciting canoeing race involving thousands of tourists!
How to get there: they are located next to the public gardens and a short walk from the Naval Museum - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Itinerary of La Spezia in a day
For day trips: If you are thinking of La Spezia as a day trip destination, consider that it is well connected to various cities in Italy. We recommend arriving by flixbus(prices from €5.00) and then walking between areas of interest.
Morning: starting from Via Fiume, have breakfast at Café Elite, then walk down Via del Prione (the main street of the Ligurian city) to see the countless shops for those who love shopping, until you come across the Museo Civico Amedeo Lia: thirteen rooms and hundreds of precious pieces, including medieval miniatures, Limoges ceramics, portraits and sculptures.
Then it's time for the covered market in Piazza Cavour: a touch of colour from the wonderful fresh fish and fruit stalls.
Afternoon: have lunch at La Pia Centenaria with a farinata, a kind of flatbread made from chickpea flour.
Head to the Archaeological Museum at San Giorgio Castle via one of its many stairways: the view will be spectacular and you will admire a unique panorama of the city, from its typical marine landscape to the Art Nouveau details of its buildings. Then head to the Naval Technical Museum, where you will admire antique weapons, underwater weapons, divers and submarine remains dating back to the Second World War - a must-see for sea lovers!
Evening: take a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined promenade; we recommend starting at Porto Mirabello, where you can observe several luxury yachts. It was inaugurated in 2010 and is also famous for its pedestrian bridge, which joins the port proper to the Morin promenade.
When it is time for dinner, head to La Posta restaurant where you can enjoy some excellent fish dishes.
One-day itinerary at a glance
Breakfast at Café Elite
Museo Civico Amedeo Lia: Mon to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - ticket cost: full price €10.00. For reductions and free admission consult the official website
Piazza Cavour Market - open Monday to Saturday - free admission
Lunch at La Pia Centenaria
San Giorgio Castle Archaeological Museum: Wednesday to Sunday 9:30-12:30 / 14:00-17:00. Mondays 9:30-12:30. Times change according to the seasons. Ticket price: full price €5.00. For details on opening hours, reductions and free admission see the official website
Museo Tecnico Navale: Mon to Fri from 08:30 to 19:30 - ticket cost: free (€1.55 donation to the Andrea Doria Institute)
Waterfront, Porto Mirabello, Morin Promenade
Dinner at La Posta restaurant
Where to eat in La Spezia
Il Ristorantino Di Bayon: a small restaurant serving fish on embroidered plates in an intimate atmosphere with soft lighting and wooden furnishings.
Average price per person: €35.00
Address and contact details: Via Felice Cavallotti, 23 - 19121 La Spezia(Get directions) / tel: 0187 732209Osteria da Bartali: small characteristic restaurant serving fish, meat and vegetarian menus and homemade desserts in a place with colourful wood panelling and floral wallpaper.
Average price per person: €15.00
Address and contact details: Via del Torretto, 64/66 - 19121 La Spezia(Get directions) / tel: 0187 730889L'Osteria della Corte: here you can taste fish menus and, depending on the seasonality of the products and the daily catch, you will admire a place that is a synthesis of lounge bar and bistro that also offers a wide variety of cocktails, liqueurs and spirits.
Average price per person: €38.00
Address and contact details: Via Napoli, 86 - 19122 La Spezia(Get directions) / tel: 0187 715210Ristorante La Posta: refined cuisine in an elegant setting offering creative seafood dishes with excellent ingredients, good wine list and excellent presentation.
Average price per person: €45.00/50.00
Address and contacts: Via Don Minzoni, 24 - 19121 La Spezia(Get directions) / tel: 360 587 014La Pia Centenaria: quick lunches and dinners with traditional local products. Among the best gachas in La Spezia
Average price per person: €15.00
Address and contacts: Via Magenta, 12 - 19121 La Spezia(Get directions) / tel: 0187 739999
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
The old town centre and the seafront (especially during the summer) are the two places where you can enjoy La Spezia's nightlife; they are the hub of the entire Gulf area reached by many people who want to have fun on Friday and Saturday nights.
You will be pleased to know that, in summer, some waterfront discos also organise theme nights and foam parties.
De Lisi Indica Disco Bar: this is a lively mix of functionality and elegance where you can enjoy excellent aperitifs and lunches. Monthly events are organised where you can dance and get wild.
Address: Via Persio Aulo Flacco 2, La Spezia(Get directions)Jux Tap: is a reference point for dance, electronic, trance-house and commercial music. The Jux Tap console has played, among others, the Japanese DJ Satoshi Tomiie, Tommy Vee, Alex Neri, Franchino and many others.
Address: Via Variante Aurelia, 159 - 19038 Sarzana SP(Get directions)Skaletta Rock Club: Excellent beer selection in a club that has been playing live music since 1994
Address: Via Francesco Crispi, 168, 19124 La Spezia SP (Getdirections)Distro': a vinyl record shop where you can have an aperitif or spend a pleasant after dinner with a wide selection of beers, wines and excellent cocktails.
Address: Via Marsala, 8, 19100 La Spezia SP(Get directions)Doria Winebar: A nice place suitable for aperitifs or after dinner. Quality cocktails paired with well-thought-out platters.
Address: Via Sapri, 99, 19121 La Spezia SP (Getdirections)
Plan your stay in La Spezia: info and tips
How to get there: by train on the Rome - Pisa - Genoa line. There is also"La Pontremolese" if you come from the Po Valley. By plane there are the airports of Genoa (87 km) and Pisa (71 km). By car there is the A12 Genova-Resignano maritime motorway, and for those arriving from the north-east there is the Parma-La Spezia. From the city's port there are many ships and ferries connecting it to Sardinia and Corsica.
How to get around: given that the number of car parks in La Spezia, but in Liguria in general, is meagre, we advise you to get around using public transport (single journey tickets €1.50, daily season ticket €5.00)
Where to park: there is a ZTL (limited traffic zone), so we recommend parking in the suburbs or near the railway station, or in any case away from the city centre. The main ones are Private Parking Le 5 Terre
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €50.00 per room - see offers
What to see nearby: Lerici 18 minutes away by car (11 km), Portovenere 30 minutes away by car (15 km), Palmaria Island can be reached from Portovenere by daily ferry connections at a cost of €2.00 per person, the Cinque Terre are 50 minutes away by car (35 km), all UNESCO World Heritage sites.