Grasp the significance of La Spezia’s long maritime history at a naval museum and then mingle with the locals while meandering through a bustling marketplace.
After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in the heart of La Spezia, a town with a natural deep harbor that has always revolved around the sea. It has been a naval headquarters since the mid 19th century, when the military fleet was transferred here.
While browsing the Technical Naval Museum, you will discover details of La Spezia’s rich maritime history. Many of the exhibits feature artifacts from before the unification of Italy, including beautifully restored wooden figureheads. Another room presents the evolution of boats and navigation since ancient times.
La Spezia was heavily bombed during World War II, and the museum pays special attention to wartime uniforms, torpedoes and submarines. There is also radio communications equipment that famed inventor and electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi used.
Continuing on, you will walk to Piazza Cavour, which the locals call Market Square, as it is a shopping hub. Meandering through the stalls, you will find baked goods, fresh seafood and all sorts of organic produce grown nearby. You will have the opportunity to sample a chickpea pancake and glass of Ligurian wine.
You will also see the Saint Mary Assumption Church, which holds a revered crucifix from the 14th century. Saint Joseph has been the patron saint of La Spezia since the 1600s.
