It is just this, that we propose to would be lovers of new panoramas, secret alcoves and secluded resting places; the same dream to discover in the fairytale Cinque Terre, where one can revel in the delights of the sunsets and Genovese style churches. Or why not go on to sundrenched Lerici, and later to the magical stone land of Lunigiana.

We propose a journey of neverending variety, from the remains in Luni, around the alluring "Golfo dei Poeti" anticipating the Cinque Terre and the sea beyond as far as the rural peace of the river streaked Vara valley.

Repeating the ancient invitation we offer a warm welcome hoping that many will return.

La Spezia

March - Street fair to celebrate the patron Saint of the town Saint Joseph (San Giuseppe) organized by the town Committee (Fiere Città della Spezia)

August - 1st Saturday - Fete on the sea featuring a rowing regatta (Palio del Golfo)

From October to April commercial fairs and exhibitions

The Gulf - The Island of Tino

September - Celebration to honour S:Venerio - visits to the island

Sarzana

July/September - Summer in Sarzana

During the Easter week and in August: antique show on the road (Soffitta nella Strada)

Numerous local fairs and fetes troughout the Province of La Spezia all year round (see local notification)

It is pleasant not only for its position in the centre of the Gulf, but also for its panoramic beauty and very mild climate.

The city has a splendid seafront and a modern cathedral (Architects Libera and Galeazzi).

In the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, one can see a stained glass window depicting the Coronation of the Virgin by Andrea della Robbia not forgetting paintings by Flasella (the Assumption of the Virgin) by Lomi and (the sharing of the bread) by Casini.

The city's museums are of exceptional interest. In particular, the naval one founded in 1870 following the transfer of the Genovese Naval Museum to La Spezia. Further additions such as model ships both ancient (Egyptian and Roman ships) and modern (Italian and European naval vessels) have together with a collection of artistically interesting figureheads made a museum that is unique of its kind.

The archeological section of the Civic Museum (Corso Cavour) holds authentics pieces from the Bronze and Iron Age: the famous stele statues, funeral urns and ancient Roman statues. The sight of the stele statues surrounded in mystery is a costant attraction for many visitors.

To have an overall panorama of ancient times in the area, the Roman villa at Varignano gives the visitors witness of the presence of the Romans in the Gulf.

The National Transport Museum - in preparation - sited in the A.T.C. depot at Canaletto, holds a collection of trams and buses representing a panorama of the history of Italian Public transport.

The hills surrounding the town provide magnificients walks, and the characteristic hamlets of Biassa and Campiglia are well worth a visit for their enchanting views enveloped in silence. The village of Marinasco boasts an historical parish chirch reconstructed in the 18th century.

Local dishes: Mesciua (made from pulses and wheat9, Torta d'erbe (a vegetable tart), Lattuga ripiena (stuffed lettce leaves), Frittelle di baccalà (stookfish fritters); wines: Bianco di Biassa (White from Biassa), Bianco di Campiglia (White from Campiglia), Bianco di Marinasco (White from Marinasco).

La Spezia offers good accommodation. A pleasant trip to take, is the trip around the Gulf and the islands (the bus and ferry service depart from the Morin promenade, (passeggiata Morin).

Museums

Tourist Information