La Spezia

The heart of the Gulf

La Spezia is located in the heart of the Gulf, also known locally as the Golfo dei Poeti, or the Gulf of Poets, and is the most important city in Liguria’s Riviera di Levante. The city has several Art Nouveau buildings, museums, churches and public gardens.
For shopping fanatics, an absolutely must-see destination is Via Del Prione, a narrow pedestrian road with several shops, or Corso Cavour, running parallel, where there are the city’s most luxurious shops. Also worth a visit is Via Domenico Chiodo with its nineteenth-century porticoes.
Then take a stroll down Passeggiata Morin, the city’s promenade, with palm trees and flower gardens overlooking the gulf. From the quay, boats leave for Porto Venere, Cinque Terre and Lerici.
Finally, some nice monuments to check out are Castello di San Giorgio, or Saint George’s Castle, the church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and the Amedeo Lia Museum as well as the Naval Museum.