La Spezia is the capital of the province of the same name, nested at the Gulf of La Spezia, in the Liguria region of northern Italy. It is located on the Ligurian Sea between Genoa and Pisa. Its deep water harbor can accommodate the largest cruise liners. The city developed a lot after the construction of the Naval Arsenal in 1860 and it is still a major military harbor.
The town center is pleasant and offers lovely inland views, towards the Apuan Alps. The beautiful sea blends with the mountains and there is an impressive overlapping of sea, land and hills.
The port city is well connected to this part of the Italian Riviera, and is one of the ports connecting you to Florence and Pisa, as well as Cinque Terre, so it makes a good base to explore this region.
A Little Bit Of History
La Spezia waterfront
This area has been settled since prehistoric times and it has continued through the Roman, Renaissance and the Modern Age. It was sold to Genoa in 1276 by the Fieschi family. It became a maritime prefecture in the French Empire and then part of the Duchy of Genoa in the Kingdom of Sardinia.
In 1857 the military fleet was transferred from Genoa and it became the provincial capital. During World War II the city has served as an important Italian naval base and it was severely damaged by bombing.
The Feast Day of San Giuseppe is celebrated with great bustle on March 19th. The Lemon Festival is held in Monterosso al Mare, and there is live music to accompany the festivities.
The view of the city with the Gulf of Poets
Palio del Golfo is a rowing competition held for hand made boats and the 13 hamlets of the Gulf compete in it. The competition is preceded by parades, events, shows and meetings.
Some famous people from this city are Alexia (singer), Scelsi (composer), Giancarlo Giannini (actor), Alessandro Petacchi (pro-cyclist), Stefano Mei (athlete) and Paolo Bertolani (poet).
Where is La Spezia?
- 183.8 miles/ 295 km from Nice, France
- 66.4 miles/ 107 km from Genoa, Italy
- 54 miles/ 87 km from Portofino, Italy
- 48.4 miles/ 78 km from Pisa, Italy
- 138.5 miles/ 223 km from Milan, Italy
- 91.3 miles/ 147 km from Florence, Italy
- 224.9 miles/ 362 km from Venice, Italy
- 260.9 miles/420 km from Rome, Italy
- 51.5 miles/ 83 km from Pisa International Airport, Italy
- 70.2 miles/ 113 km from Genoa Airport, Italy
- 87.6 miles/ 141 km from Florence Airport, Peretola, Italy
- 247.3 miles/ 398 km from Rome Fiumicino Airport, Italy
- 270.2 miles/ 435 km from Rome Ciampino Airport, Italy
Things to See
The access port to Florence, Pisa and Cinque Terre!
- Museo Tecnico Navale
- Museo del Castello
- Cathedral
- Museo del Sigillo
- Museo Civico Amadeo Lia
Beaches
- Monterosso al Mare
- Riomaggiore
- Gulf of Poets
Excursions
- Catamaran Tour
- Pisa
- Florence
- Cinque Terre
La Spezia’s natural beauty and its proximity to Pisa and Florence attract many visitors.
It is a thriving commercial port, and art, culture, history and nature are on impressive display in this city.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
