Sightseeing in La Spezia - what to see. Complete travel guide
In Italy, tourists can visit the picturesque city of La Spezia. Its atmosphere is drastically different from the atmosphere of the nearby settlements. As a rule, all towns in this region are peaceful and silent, but La Spezia is an exception. This is a loud and energetic city. Besides a vibrant atmosphere and interesting life, this city has many architectural attractions and rich historic heritage. In the past, La Spezia was often referred to as the “poetic bay” because many writers such as Byron, Dante, and George Sand were visiting this city to find inspiration here. La Spezia is definitely worth a visit. Spend several days here to indulge in the atmosphere of this place and enjoy your Italian vacation.
There are no historic records that mention the exact date when this Italian city was founded. Historians know that this region was not much populated during the reign of the Roman Empire. The Etruscan city of Lumi was the only large settlement here, but the Saracens destroyed it in the 11th century. La Spezia belonged to the Fieschi family until 1276. In the coming years, many tried to make this region their own. When Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Liguria at the end of the 18th century, La Spezia became a part of his republic.
La Spezia is a coastal city but there are no beaches in its territory. As numerous ships arrive in the bay every day and many yachts are docked in the city, the coastal water is quite dirty in the area. Despite this, the city doesn’t lose its appeal, and it is definitely worth visiting. La Spezia has an incredibly beautiful waterfront that is seven kilometers long and thirty meters wide. The width is up to forty-five meters in some areas. When taking a stroll along the Ligurian coast, it is impossible to fail to notice the breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding mountains covered with forests. Without a doubt, gorgeous sea views make the waterfront even more attractive.
It is ultimately pleasant to walk in the modern pedestrian area with rows of tall palm trees and tidy lawn. The La Spezia waterfront is the most luxurious place in the city, and a large marina is the heart of this district. Beautiful cruise ships, ferries, and yachts regularly arrive here. Tourists are welcome to make an hour-long sea voyage. Large medieval cannons are a true pride of the waterfront. Having explored the waterfront, consider going to the charming park with magnificent fountains and comfortable benches. In the evening, thousands of lights illuminate the waterfront, making it even more attractive.
Castello San Giorgio wins the title of the main attraction of La Spezia. The beautiful fortification stands on the Poggio hill. The construction works started in the middle of the 13th century. The castle was supposed to protect the region from alien attacks. Over the centuries, Castello San Giorgio was rebuilt a number of times. Nowadays, this is a marvelous fortress with towers and arrow-slits. In order to get inside, visitors need to enter the western or northern gate. The first gate has a coat of arms of Genoa, and Saint George protects the northern gate. The castle got its name after the saint.
Would you like to learn more about the history of Liguria? Nowadays, the castle holds the exhibition of the museum of archaeology. Numerous archaeological excavations made it possible to open a whole museum with many precious artifacts. During a visit to this venue, tourists can learn more not only about the historical past of the city but also about the destiny of the whole of Liguria over the centuries.
Besides important historical exhibits, the archaeological museum displays several collections of various findings that tell more about the culture and traditions of the region. Locals still cherish the traditions of the past. Don’t forget to take a look at the collection of artifacts discovered during the archaeological excavations in the ruins of Lumi, an ancient Etruscan city.
There are several ways to get to La Spezia. There is a daily train from Genoa to the capital of Italy that makes a stop in the Italian resort city. The journey time is roughly one hour. There is a longer route from Milan to Turin. The journey time is almost four hours in this case. When heading from Pisa, tourists can take a train ride to La Spezia that lasts one hour and a half.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of La Spezia is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in La Spezia and surroundings
Reference information
Map of all shopping areas
Shopping streets in La Spezia
♥ Shopping area ' Via Chiodo' La Spezia, 0.2 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Via Prione' La Spezia, 0.5 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Corso Cavour' La Spezia, 0.9 km from the center. On the map
Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around La Spezia
♥ Castle 'Castello di San Giorgio' La Spezia, 0.5 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello di Porto Venere' Porto Venere, 5.8 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello Lerici' Lerici, 7.4 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Castle 'Fortezza di Sarzanello' Sarzana, 11.8 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Castle 'Castle' Corniglio, 11.9 km from the center. On the map
Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around La Spezia
♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Cinque Terre' , 9.4 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano' , 48.9 km from the center. On the map
Photo
Sights around La Spezia from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Piazza dei Miracoli
From the series “16 Most Fascinating Objects of Unesco in Italy”
Check on the map: Distance from La Spezia center - 62.2 km.
Another significant place is the Campo Santo, also known as Camposanto Monumentale. It is a historical edifice at the northern edge of the Cathedral Square in Pisa. Couloir was built in the 1278 year and finished 1464. Today it is a very valuable architecturally building. All these historical buildings around the picturesque square are united in a valuable architectural complex …
Read further Distance from La Spezia center - 62.2 km.
Vernazza
From the series “Amazing Cities on the Rocks”
Check on the map: Distance from La Spezia center - 12 km.
The Church of St. Margaret of Antioch is the town's main attraction. Its construction began in the 11th century. It was originally a striking example of the Romanesque style. It was completed with original Baroque elements after reconstruction in the mid-18th century. The palace with galleries is located near the temple. It is considered one of the most luxurious buildings in the town. Some of the old fortification walls and towers of the 16th century have been preserved here. A striking monument from the 17th century is located in the immediate vicinity. This is the Church of St. Francis. Fans of historical sites will be able to walk around the grounds of the Doria Castle. It was built in the 11th century. A magnificent view of the surrounding area opens from its territory. …
Read further Distance from La Spezia center - 12 km.
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com
Thailand Relaxes Its COVID-19 Policy
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide.
Read this
02.10.2023
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide.
Read this
02.10.2023
Search touristic sites on the map of La Spezia
All about La Spezia, Italy - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in La Spezia, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of La Spezia in few days.
