La Spezia, Port city in Liguria, Italy.
La Spezia stretches along a natural harbor at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia, surrounded by mountains on one side and the Ligurian coastline on the other. The city sits between steep slopes and the sea, with wide boulevards running parallel to the water and leading toward the port.
The city transformed from a small fishing village into a major naval base after 1861, when the Italian government established the Royal Naval Arsenal. This shift brought shipyards, barracks, and industrial facilities that reshaped the face of the coastline.
The Palio del Golfo takes place every first Sunday in August, when thirteen villages from the gulf race against each other in traditional boats. Rowers wear historical costumes, and the entire coastline gathers along the water to watch the race and cheer for their teams.
La Spezia Centrale railway station connects travelers to Florence, Rome, and the Cinque Terre villages through regular train services throughout the day. Trains toward Cinque Terre run frequently, making a day trip along the coast straightforward.
The Technical Naval Museum displays a collection of ship figureheads and model vessels that document the evolution of Italian shipbuilding. Among the exhibits are navigation instruments and weapons that illustrate the maritime tradition of the country.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
