Via Del Prione (Street of the Whetstone), La Spezia

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. In the past a great coming and going of merchants, carts, sellers and commoners crowded what even then could be defined as the " shopping street " of La Spezia, with over 35 shops, 4 bakeries and 14 warehouses.

If you have limited time in La Spezia, make sure you prioritise a stroll along this picturesque pedestrian lane that winds through the historic centre. This is one of the oldest streets in town and is sprinkled with shops, cafes, restaurants and several museums (plus the tourist office). If you keep going, you'll reach the public gardens and the waterfront just beyond. ***PH***