Prione street

Your tour of the historical center of La Spezia has to include Via del Prione, as you will most certainly cross it since it is the most important street of the city. Walking along this historical street, you will dive into the local atmosphere, and it will give you the impression that years have not really passed.

Via del Prione, also known as “carugio drito” (literally, the straight street), is the main street of La Spezia and has always been a gathering place for the locals. Its name comes from the Genoese word “pria”, meaning stone, indicating the presence of a pulpit used by town criers during citizens’ assemblies in ancient times.

This sparkling feature caught the attention of Richard Wagner, famous German composer, who, while staying in the city, found the inspiration for the prelude of The Rhine Gold.

Ph. credits: Lorenzo Taccioli