Historic Gardens' Statues

Majestic magnolias, exotic palm trees, imposing cedars: the La Spezia Gardens are among the most remarkable in Liguria and Versilia in terms of size and botanical relevance. At the turn of the 19th and early 20th century, they developed together with La Spezia and, due to their structure, reveal to us the gradual evolution of the city's waterfront.
Inside the Gardens you can admire magnificent sculptures that we propose following a narrative thread more related to the route than to themes or chronological criteria.
At the beginning of the circuit, amidst cedars and yew and strawberry trees, we find the equestrian group dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of two worlds. General, patriot, condottiere, he was one of the most celebrated historical figures of his era.

In the Boschetto we find the sculptures dedicated to the Datario, an ancient tradition of La Spezia's gardens, the statue of Cesare Battisti, journalist, geographer and patriot, and walking among the plane trees and elms we come to the Fontana del Comune: also known as the Bibigeo by Ubaldo Mazzini in one of his dialectal poems. Continuing among the imposing oak and holm-oak trees, we encounter a group of remarkable statues: Plastic Art, made of Luni marble; Music, depicting Apollo Citaredo while playing; Tragedy, a young woman with an uncovered bust; La Spezia, a maiden with a noble posture; the Gulf, a bearded man dressed in the ancient manner; Spring or Flora, depicted with hair waved in gathered curls. Still in the Boschetto, among locust trees, oaks and Aleppo pines, we can admire the Music Kiosk, one of the most articulate sculptures.

Leaving the Boschetto, in the Viale Mazzini Gardens we discover a group of statues dedicated to Memory: to Ceccardo Roccatagliata Ceccardi, singer of the Apuan solitudes, to Nazario Sauro, portrayed in the act of throwing an elbow, to the Bersagliere, placed in the Public Gardens in 2000, and the Monument to Resistance, inaugurated on 2 June 2006, which brought the soothing sound of water back into the public gardens.

We conclude our La Spezia exploration of art, history and botanical art in the Piazzale del Marinaio. Here we admire the Winged Victory, a monument to the fallen soldiers of all wars. With its harmonious and elegant lines, the work was created by La Spezia architect Oreste Rossi.