Introducing La Spezia
The big, bustling working city of La Spezia is a complete contrast to the surrounding coastal villages and rural hinterland. Situated 100km southeast of Genoa, the city sits at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia – also referred to as the Gulf of Poets after Byron, Dante, DH Lawrence, Shelley, George Sand and others who sought inspiration along the gulf’s shores.
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In the mid-19th century, the construction of Italy’s largest naval base here introduced the large street grid and venerable public buildings that define the city today, as well as a still-significant naval presence. As the provincial capital, La Spezia has a spate of museums, including a renowned fine arts museum.
La Spezia’s bustle peaks on 19 March, the feast day of the city’s patron saint, San Giuseppe (St Joseph). Celebrations see a giant market fill the port and surrounding streets, and the naval base (off limits the rest of the year) opens to the public for the day.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
