La Spezia
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La Spezia is not a part of the Cinque Terre, but it is the largest town in the vicinity of the National Park. Its population is about 100,000 inhabitants. Main disadvantage: there is no beach, and the entire coast is occupied by port and military base.
It is strongly suggested to book your hotel exactly in La Spezia, as many entertainment events are organized here on the main street in evenings in contrast to the Cinque Terre’s serene villages where usually there is not much to do in evenings.
Parking lots map: link to Google Map.
The best hotels (Best Price Guarantee)
Photos of La Spezia.
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What to see in La Spezia (tagged on the map):
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 1. Churches in La Spezia
In La Spezia, there are a lot of religious structures, and all these churches are very beautiful even for non-religious tourists.
- Church of Santa Maria della Salute
It is situated not far from the railway station in the historical centre of the town. This great Catholic Church was built in 1900. Photo on the left (1).
- Church of Our Lady of the Snows
One more great and very beautiful catholic church. It was built in 1901. Photo on the left (2).
- Church of Saint John and Augustine
It was built in 1558. It is the smallest of all the churches presented here. Photo. Photo inside.
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta
It was built in 1471. It was destroyed almost completely during World War II and was rebuilt in 1954. Photo. Photo inside.
- Evangelical Baptist Church
The church was built at the end of the XIX century. Photo.
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 2. Cathedral of Cristo Re
The Cathedral of Cristo Re is the most important shrine for Catholics in La Spezia. Its construction began in 1929, but soon it was stopped for a long time. Finally, the construction was completed in 1975.
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 3. Castle of San Giorgio
This Castle, constructed at the end of the XIII century, was renovated many times; the last, but the most significant renovation was done during 1985 - 1998.
Now, the castle houses "U. Formentini" Archaeological Museum of the Castle of San Giorgio.
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 4. Post office edifice (Central Post Office)
The edifice was solemnly opened on November 12, 1933. During all these years, the edifice has continued to be used as the town’s Central Post Office until now.
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 5. Maggiani Edifice
The edifice was built in 1900-1902. All the edifice floors were nicely decorated. First hydraulic elevator in La Spezia was installed here.
In 1996, upper floors of the edifice caught fire, and it took many years to restore them completely.
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 6. Museum in La Spezia
- "U. Formentini" Archaeological Museum of the Castle of San Giorgio
The museum consists of more than ten halls and has many exhibits of local history from pre-historic to Middle Age.
- The Giovanni Podenzana Museum of Ethnography and Diocesan Museum
Both museums are located in a single edifice. The exhibit offers a complete synthesis of Lunigiana
- "Amedeo Lia" Museum
This museum is also called "House of Culture". The art-collection here includes paintings and miniatures, both of Italian and foreign origins, from the XIII-XVIII centuries. It also has sculptures and other interesting antiques.
The museum occupies an edifice of the former Franciscan monastery of the XVII century.
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 7. Park
Not far from the seafront, near the heart of the town, there is a park, or better to say, a garden. It gradually began to emerge in the early XIX century. After walking around the places of interest in the town, you can take a rest here, admiring the sea and mountains surrounding the town.
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Hotel booking at best prices:
The sites we have chosen provide best offers for hotel booking in the Cinque Terre National Park. Promotional offers are updated on a regular basis. You will not find cheaper prices anywhere.
Important: 7 days before your arrival you can cancel your booking without any penalty. So book a hotel in advance, it will save you money if your plans do not change.
Photos of La Spezia:
The Blue Path:
