Public gardens

During the first half of the 19th century, La Spezia began demolishing the existing Medieval walls, projecting its territorial ambition towards the coast. Ten years later, the nucleus of the Public Gardens was expanding, acquiring the area in front of the current Palazzo Doria. Today, the city is rich in parks and gardens, emphasizing the relationship between urban context and nature.

In the eastern part of the city, you will find Parco della Maggiolina, a vast park with tall trees and rest areas with permanent rides and children’s areas. In the northern part of the city, there is Parco della Rimembranza, a real forest of tall trees, named In memory of those who died for Italy. Every tree here represents each of the 535 citizens of La Spezia who died fighting in World War I. In the western side, there is Parco del Colombaio, crossed by the new bike path. It takes its name from an old building which once served as breeding farm for carrier pigeons for the Royal Italian Army. Not far from here, you will find the Palestra nel Verde (literally, Gym in Nature): it is a picturesque fitness trail with gym equipment where citizens can train in the woods and surrounded by nature. The most recent city park is Parco delle Mura, the first part of which was opened on October 23rd, 2021.

This is the result of a restoration project involving the historical walls of the city and is part of a much wider requalification program. The second part is currently subject to restoration, aiming at connecting the two parts of Parco della Rimembranza. This Park is an oasis of beauty to be experienced from dawn to dusk: excursions, romantic walks, Sunday trips, it being totally accessible for people with disabilities.