Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
La Spezia's bustle peaks on 19 March, the
feast day
of the city's patron saint, San Gi-
useppe (St Joseph). Celebrations see a giant market fill the port and surrounding streets,
and the naval base (off-limits the rest of the year) open to the public.
Sights
Museo Amedeo Lia
(
www.museola.spezianet.it
;
Via Prione 234; adult/reduced €7/4.50; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun)
This fine-
arts museum in a restored 17th-century friary is La Spezia's star attraction. The collection
covers the 13th to 18th centuries and includes paintings by masters such as Tintoretto,
Montagna, Titian and Pietro Lorenzetti. Also on show are Roman bronzes and ecclesiast-
ical treasures, such as Limoges crucifixes and illuminated musical manuscripts.
MUSEUM
Castello di San Giorgio
(
http://museodelcastello.spezianet.it
;
Via XXVII Marzo; adult/reduced €5.50/4; 9.30am-12.30pm &
5-8pm Wed-Mon)
An assortment of local archaeological artefacts from prehistoric to medi-
eval times is on display at this lofty castle.
CASTLE
Sleeping & Eating
There are several cheap hotels around the train station, but they tend to be scruffy. The
waterfront has plenty of relaxed places to wine and dine.
Albergo Birillo
( 0187 73 26 66;
www.albergobirillo.it
;
Via Dei Mille 11/13; s €40-80, d €60-100; )
This homey
haven has rather tight-fitting rooms, which are made up for by the ultrafriendly owners,
who'll fill you in on the town's hidden attractions. A few blocks from Via Prione and near
plenty of good eateries, it makes an economical alternative to digs in Cinque Terre.
HOTEL
€
Vicolo Intherno
(Via della Canonica 22; meals €25; noon-3pm & 7-11pm Tue-Sat)
Take a seat around chunky
wooden tables beneath beamed ceilings at this Slow Food-affiliated restaurant and wash
down the
torte di verdure
(Ligurian vegetable pie) or stockfish with local vintages.
MODERN ITALIAN
€€
Information
