11 Best Things to Do and See in La Spezia
Exploring La Spezia on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in La Spezia, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in La Spezia. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Castello San Giorgio
Perched on a hill overlooking La Spezia, Castello San Giorgio offers a visit that combines heritage and panoramic views. This fortress is now home to an archaeological museum, where visitors can discover remains and collections linked to the ancient history of the region, including pieces from nearby sites. The site also stands out for its defensive architecture and its views over the city, the port, and the gulf. It is an ideal stop for understanding the local past while enjoying a pleasant and easily accessible setting.
2. Giardini Pubblici
The Giardini Pubblici in La Spezia offer a green space in the heart of a dense urban setting, where visitors come to enjoy a slower pace. This public garden is designed for walking, taking a break, and observing the planted surroundings that soften the city. Its appeal lies in its simple atmosphere, its trees and pathways, and its natural place in central La Spezia. It is a discreet landmark, but one that reflects how the city creates open spaces for residents and visitors alike.
3. Naval Technical Museum of La Spezia
The Naval Technical Museum of La Spezia immerses visitors in Italy’s maritime world through a rich collection of objects related to navigation and naval engineering. Highlights include ship models, onboard instruments, equipment, plans, and various displays showcasing the expertise of the navy. The exhibition traces the evolution of shipbuilding and the technologies used at sea, in a city deeply tied to military and port activity. It is an interesting visit for anyone wanting to understand the maritime history of La Spezia and the ingenuity of seafaring trades.
4. Lerici Castle
Perched above the port of Lerici, in the province of La Spezia, Lerici Castle is a fine example of a medieval fortress facing the sea. As you explore it, you’ll especially admire its ramparts, massive structure, and views over the Gulf of Poets and the village below. The site appeals as much for its historic atmosphere as for its panorama, which visitors particularly enjoy. It is an ideal stop to understand the defensive role of the Ligurian coast while taking in a remarkable seaside landscape.
5. Parco XXV Aprile
Parco XXV Aprile, in La Spezia, is a large green space appreciated as a peaceful break away from the bustle of the city. Visitors will find wide lawns, shaded paths, and areas ideal for strolling, jogging, or relaxing with the family. This park offers a pleasant setting to enjoy the fresh air, observe local life, and rest on a bench in the shade of the trees. It is a simple, welcoming place, perfect for a nature break in the city.
6. Cathedral of La Spezia
La Spezia Cathedral, located in the heart of the Italian city of La Spezia, is a remarkable religious building that attracts visitors with its understated architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you will find a spacious place of worship, carefully crafted decorative details, side chapels, and artistic elements that reflect the local spiritual life. It is also an important landmark in the city center, appreciated both for quiet contemplation and for discovering the region’s religious heritage.
7. Amedeo Lia Civic Museum
Located in La Spezia, the Museo Civico Amedeo Lia is an art museum that brings together a varied collection spanning several centuries of artistic creation. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, miniatures, goldsmithing pieces and religious works, presented in a carefully arranged and accessible setting. The visit offers an excellent overview of Italian art, with refined historical pieces that highlight the richness of techniques and styles. It is an interesting stop for art lovers as well as for curious visitors exploring the city.
8. The Memorial Park
In La Spezia, The Memorial Park is a pleasant city park where visitors come to enjoy a moment of calm in the heart of the city. Its paths invite you to stroll, between green areas, shaded spots and benches for a break. Here, you will find a simple and relaxing setting, ideal for unwinding, reading, or a family walk. This place also offers a welcome breath of fresh air for both locals and visitors, with a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the lively urban surroundings.
9. CAMeC – Center for Modern and Contemporary Art
CAMeC – Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea offers a focused look at modern and contemporary art. Visitors will find works, exhibitions and creative forms that show how artistic languages have evolved, from figurative art to more current approaches. In the centre of La Spezia, this museum provides a clear insight into artistic creation and into the way the city presents today’s art. It appeals both to visitors interested in collections and to those who want to understand the role of a cultural space in local urban life.
10. Museo Nazionale dei Trasporti
The Museo Nazionale dei Trasporti in La Spezia is a railway museum dedicated to the history of transport and the technical heritage of the railways. Visitors can discover equipment, devices and objects that show the evolution of rail travel and its importance in Italian life. The museum is as interesting for its collections as for its setting in La Spezia, a city linked to transport networks and logistics. The visit offers a concrete look at railway culture, between industrial memory and the history of mobility.
11. La Spezia Historic Center
La Spezia Historic Center offers a lively, compact look at the city’s urban heart. Around Piazza Giulio Beverini, nearby streets reveal a Ligurian downtown of shops, pedestrian passages and civil architecture. Rather than one monument, this area is defined by its squares, perspectives and buildings, giving visitors a direct feel for La Spezia between heritage and daily life.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
