La Spezia history

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of modern La Spezia was settled as early as the Roman era; however, the city began to form as an independent and significant settlement during the Middle Ages. The historical roots of the city are closely linked to the decline of the ancient Roman port of Luni: residents, fleeing instability and the marshy terrain, relocated to the safer hills and later began to develop the coast of the bay.

The first documentary mentions of the name date back to the 13th century. A key date in the history of its foundation is considered to be 1276, when the influential Fieschi family sold their holdings in this region to the Republic of Genoa. It was under the aegis of Genoa that the systematic development of the city began.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of La Spezia from a modest settlement into an important centre of Liguria was driven by several factors:

• Geography: The city is located deep within a natural bay (now known as the Gulf of Poets), which is securely protected from storms and winds. This made it an ideal natural harbour.
• Strategic Importance: For the Republic of Genoa, La Spezia became a crucial outpost in eastern Liguria. The city served as a base for controlling trade routes and protecting the coast from pirate raids.
• Consolidation of Power: The construction and constant modernisation of the San Giorgio castle (Castello San Giorgio) on the Poggio hill became a symbol of the assertion of political and military power in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its history, La Spezia's economy was based on traditional Ligurian trades. The foundation of life was maritime trade, fishing, and salt extraction. On the terraces of the surrounding hills, local residents cultivated olives and grapes, establishing the gastronomic traditions of the region.

The cultural appearance of the city was formed under the strong influence of Genoa. This was reflected in the architecture: narrow streets, tall pastel-coloured houses, and the layout of the historic centre, characteristic of Ligurian fortress towns. By the 14th century, La Spezia received the status of a residence for the local Podestà (administrative head), which facilitated the development of civil institutions and crafts long before the city became Italy's main naval base in the 19th century.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of La Spezia is a journey from a small fortified settlement to the main naval base of Italy and a popular tourist centre.

The Middle Ages and the Genoese Era

• 1276 — Niccolò Fieschi sells his possessions to the Republic of Genoa, marking the beginning of the city's integration into the political system of Genoa.
• 1343 — The first Doge of Genoa, Simon Boccanegra, unites scattered settlements and establishes the Podestà of La Spezia.
• 1371 — Massive reconstruction and fortification of the San Giorgio Castle begins, making it a key defensive structure.
• 1407 — The first city statute is approved, regulating the social and economic life of the growing commune.
• 1654 — The Senate of Genoa approves the construction of new fortress walls to protect the city, which is gaining increasing strategic importance.

From Napoleon to the Unification of Italy

• 1797 — With the fall of the Republic of Genoa and the arrival of Napoleon, the city becomes part of the Ligurian Republic.
• 1808 — Napoleon Bonaparte proclaims La Spezia a military port and approves a plan for the construction of a naval arsenal.
• 1815 — By decision of the Congress of Vienna, the city, along with the rest of Liguria, passes under the rule of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
• 1857 — Camillo Benso di Cavour decides to transfer the naval fleet from Genoa to La Spezia, kickstarting industrialisation.
• 1862 — The grandiose construction of the Naval Arsenal begins, forever changing the landscape and economy of the city.
• 1869 — The grand opening of the Arsenal completes the city's transformation into the main naval base of the newly unified Italy.

20th Century and Modernity

• 1923 — La Spezia officially receives the status of the administrative centre of the province of the same name.
• 1929 — The "Gulf of Poets" is opened for seaplanes, highlighting the city's role in the development of aviation and futurism.
• 1946 — The city receives the unofficial honorary title "Gate of Zion" (Porta di Sion) for assisting Holocaust survivors in departing by sea to Palestine.
• 1975 — Construction of the Cristo Re Cathedral is completed, becoming a symbol of the city's modern architecture.
• 1997 — The inclusion of nearby Cinque Terre and Portovenere in the UNESCO World Heritage list gave a powerful impulse to the development of international tourism in La Spezia.

Stages of Shaping the Modern Look

The development of La Spezia is a story of radical transformations that turned a quiet fishing village into an industrial giant, and subsequently into a modern tourism hub. Each era left a noticeable mark on the architecture and economy of the city.

• Construction of the Naval Arsenal (1860s).
  This event was the main turning point in the city's history. To build the base, the coastline was altered, and old fortress walls were demolished. The Arsenal attracted thousands of workers from all over Italy, leading to a demographic boom and transforming La Spezia into a cosmopolitan city.
• Urban Expansion and the Umbertino District.
  Industrialisation was followed by the planned expansion of the city. A strict orthogonal street grid (chessboard layout) was created, characteristic of Piedmontese urban planning. The prestigious Umbertino district appeared with wide avenues and elegant residential buildings for officers and the administration.
• The Flourishing of the Liberty Style (Early 20th Century).
  During this period, the city experienced a cultural rise. The architecture was enriched with buildings in the Art Nouveau style (Italian Liberty). Decorative facades, villas on the hills, and public buildings of that time still form the aesthetic appearance of the central streets.
• Gaining Provincial Status (1923).
  The separation of La Spezia into a distinct administrative unit stimulated the construction of monumental public buildings. During this period, the Government Palace, the Main Post Office, and other iconic structures were erected, emphasising the new political weight of the city.
• Post-War Modernisation and Cristo Re Cathedral.
  Having suffered from bombings, the city was forced to rethink its appearance. The symbol of rebirth became the Cathedral of Christ the King (Cristo Re)—a bold project by Adalberto Libera. Its futuristic circular form dominates the centre and symbolises a break with traditional religious architecture.
• Development of the Commercial Port and Container Terminal.
  In the second half of the 20th century, the city's economy diversified. Beyond military functions, La Spezia became one of the most important commercial ports in the Mediterranean, providing the city with economic stability and jobs outside the defence sector.
• Tourism Conversion and the Morin Promenade.
  In recent decades, the city has reoriented towards tourism. The reconstruction of the promenade, the construction of the Thaon di Revel bridge, and the creation of a modern cruise terminal have allowed La Spezia to become not just a transit point, but an independent attraction for travellers.

Architectural Eclecticism: From Fortress Walls to Futurism

The urban appearance of La Spezia is unique in that it is clearly divided into two parts: a compact medieval core and extensive regular development from the 19th–20th centuries. A walk through the city resembles a journey through time, where each quarter corresponds to a specific historical and aesthetic era.

The Middle Ages and Military Architecture (13th–15th Centuries)

The oldest layer of the city has been preserved on the high ground and at the foot of the Poggio hill. Here, the layout is subordinate to defensive needs and the complex terrain.

• Style: Romanesque architecture and utilitarian fortification building.
• Characteristic Features: Narrow winding streets (caruggi), stonework, lack of lavish decoration, powerful walls.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Castello San Giorgio — the dominant feature of the old town, a fortress rebuilt multiple times that retains a stern medieval spirit.
  • Church of Santa Maria Assunta — although its façade was redone later, the interior and structure retain traces of the region's early religious architecture.

Umbertine Style and Neoclassicism (Second Half of the 19th Century)

Transforming La Spezia into the maritime capital of Italy required creating a new "imperial" face for the city. During this period, development expanded beyond the old walls, forming a strict chessboard grid of streets.

• Style: Eclecticism and the so-called "Umbertine Style" (Stile Umbertino) — the Italian version of Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque.
• Characteristic Features: Monumentality, wide avenues, symmetry, high ceilings, use of rustication on ground floors, and ornate cornices.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Umbertino District — the area north of the historic centre, built up with residential buildings for naval officers and the bourgeoisie.
  • City Theatre Teatro Civico (the façade was reworked in a later period, but the foundation was laid in this era).
  • Public Gardens — a classic example of regular park art of the 19th century.

Liberty: Italian Art Nouveau (Early 20th Century)

At the beginning of the last century, La Spezia experienced a cultural flourishing, reflected in the appearance of elegant mansions and villas. The local bourgeoisie sought to beautify the city, following the European fashion for Art Nouveau.

• Style: Liberty.
• Characteristic Features: Flowing lines, floral ornaments, wrought iron, stained glass, use of coloured ceramics and stucco on façades.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Palazzina delle Arti — an elegant building now serving as a museum.
  • Palazzo Maggiani — a striking example of residential architecture with rich decoration.
  • Numerous villas on the hills surrounding the centre.

Rationalism and Futurism (1920s–1930s)

In the period between the world wars, La Spezia became a platform for architectural experiments. Ideas of futurism and monumental rationalism were actively implemented here, designed to emphasise the power of the state.

• Style: Italian Rationalism (Razionalismo) and "Novecento Style".
• Characteristic Features: Geometric severity, conciseness of forms, use of marble and travertine, right angles, functionality.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Main Post Office (Palazzo delle Poste) — a masterpiece by architect Angiolo Mazzoni. The building is known for its strict lines and unique mosaics in the futurist style inside.
  • Palazzo del Governo (Prefecture) — a monumental building dominating Verdi Square.
  • City Hall (Palazzo Comunale) — an example of administrative architecture of that time.

Postmodernism and Modern Architecture (Second Half of the 20th Century – 21st Century)

Post-war reconstruction and modern development brought bold engineering and artistic solutions to the city's appearance, contrasting with the historical buildings.

• Style: Brutalism, Structural Expressionism, High-tech.
• Characteristic Features: Use of concrete, glass, and steel, unusual geometric shapes, emphasis on the engineering component.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Cathedral of Cristo Re (Cattedrale di Cristo Re) — a unique circular pantheon-like building by architect Adalberto Libera, completed in 1975.
  • Pedestrian bridge Thaon di Revel — an elegant cable-stayed structure connecting the city with the Mirabello marina, a symbol of modern La Spezia.

Historical Figures and Politicians

• Simon Boccanegra — First Doge of Genoa (14th Century).
  He played a key role in the administrative establishment of the city. In 1343, it was he who united the scattered settlements of the gulf and established the Podestà of La Spezia, which became the starting point for transforming a fishing village into an important political centre of Liguria.
• Benedetto Brin — Engineer, Admiral, and Minister (19th Century).
  The man who changed the destiny of the city. As Minister of the Navy, he designed and oversaw the construction of the Naval Arsenal. Thanks to his efforts, La Spezia transformed into the main base of the Italian fleet and a major industrial centre. The city's main boulevard is named after him.
• Virginia Oldoini (Countess of Castiglione) — Aristocrat and Diplomat (19th Century).
  Known as the "Divine Countess," she lived in the vicinity of La Spezia. She went down in history as one of the world's first fashion models and an important figure of the Risorgimento, using her influence at the French court of Napoleon III to support the unification of Italy.

Figures of Art and Culture

• Agostino Fossati — Painter (19th Century).
  The city's main artist-chronicler. His canvases have immense historical value, as they captured in detail the landscapes and daily life of La Spezia before the start of massive industrialisation and the construction of the Arsenal, which forever changed the coastline.
• Percy Bysshe Shelley — English Romantic Poet (19th Century).
  Although not born here, his name is inextricably linked to the city. Shelley lived in San Terenzo on the shores of the gulf, which was later named the "Gulf of Poets" in honour of him and Byron. The poet tragically perished in the waters near La Spezia during a storm, becoming part of local legend.
• Richard Wagner — Composer (19th Century).
  He stayed at a local inn in 1853. According to his diaries, it was the sound of the waves and the atmosphere of La Spezia that inspired him to create the overture to the opera "Das Rheingold," the first part of the famous cycle "The Ring of the Nibelung."

Modern Celebrities

• Giancarlo Giannini — Actor and Director (20th–21st Century).
  A native of La Spezia who became a star of world cinema. An Oscar nominee and holder of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he is one of the most famous Italian actors of modern times.
• Toto Cutugno — Singer and Composer (20th–21st Century).
  A legend of Italian pop music. Although born in neighbouring Tuscany, his family moved to La Spezia when he was a few months old. It was here that he grew up, received his musical education, and began his career, so the townspeople consider him "one of their own."
• Alessandro Petacchi — Professional Cyclist (20th–21st Century).
  A famous sprinter nicknamed "Ale-Jet," born in La Spezia. He won numerous victories in stages of prestigious races such as the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España, bringing fame to his hometown in the world of sports.