La Spezia is a port city in Liguria, northwestern Italy, with around 93,000 people. Situated at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets, it was first mentioned in written records in 1160 and developed under the influence of the Republic of Genoa. The city expanded considerably during the 19th century following the construction of a major naval arsenal, inaugurated in 1869, which established La Spezia as one of Italy’s principal naval bases. Much of its present architecture dates from this period, although the historic centre retains narrow Ligurian streets and older buildings. Notable sights include the medieval San Giorgio Castle, the Naval Technical Museum, the Amedeo Lia Museum and the waterfront promenade. The surrounding gulf has strong literary associations with writers including Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, whose visits inspired its popular nickname. La Spezia is also a major transport gateway to the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, as well as nearby Portovenere and Lerici, with regular railway and ferry connections along the coast.

PUBS

Back to Italy.