All the Best Museums Within Walking Distance from La Spezia Cruise Port

La Spezia, a charming coastal city in Liguria, Italy, is not just a convenient gateway to Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera—it’s also home to a range of fascinating museums easily accessible by foot from the cruise terminal. If your ship docks in La Spezia and you have a few hours to explore, you don’t need to venture far to immerse yourself in local culture, history, and art. Here’s a curated guide to the best museums within walking distance from La Spezia cruise port.

1. Museo Tecnico Navale (Naval Technical Museum)
Distance: Approx. 10-minute walk
Location: Viale Giovanni Amendola, 1

Located near the Naval Arsenal, the Museo Tecnico Navale is a must-visit for anyone interested in maritime history. This museum showcases the proud naval tradition of La Spezia, which has been a key base for the Italian Navy. Inside, you’ll find a captivating collection of ship models, navigational tools, diving equipment, and naval weaponry. The exhibits cover centuries of maritime technology and provide insight into the strategic importance of La Spezia in both world wars. This museum is ideal for families and history buffs alike.

2. Museo Civico Amedeo Lia (Amedeo Lia Museum)
Distance: Approx. 15-minute walk
Location: Via del Prione, 234

Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century convent, the Amedeo Lia Museum offers an intimate and enriching experience of European art. The collection was donated by Amedeo Lia, a passionate art collector, and includes masterpieces from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Expect to see paintings by Tintoretto, Canaletto, and Tiepolo, alongside illuminated manuscripts, ancient sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum’s peaceful atmosphere and impressive curation make it a hidden gem in the city center.

3. CAMeC – Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Center for Modern and Contemporary Art)
Distance: Approx. 15-minute walk
Location: Piazza Cesare Battisti, 1

If you prefer modern art, CAMeC is your destination. This sleek, modern museum hosts a rotating series of exhibitions featuring 20th and 21st-century art, including works from Italian Futurists and contemporary international artists. The building itself is worth seeing—a modernist structure that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding architecture. CAMeC is perfect for visitors who want a taste of the local avant-garde art scene.

4. Museo del Castello di San Giorgio (Castle of San Giorgio Museum)
Distance: Approx. 20-minute walk uphill
Location: Via XXVII Marzo, 191

Perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia, the Castello di San Giorgio offers both a historical museum and panoramic views of the city. The museum features archaeological finds from Roman and prehistoric times, including artifacts from the ancient city of Luni. Though the uphill walk is a bit of a workout, the view and the historic ambiance of the medieval fortress make it well worth the effort. Don’t forget your camera!

5. Museo del Sigillo (Seal Museum)
Distance: Approx. 15-minute walk
Location: Palazzina delle Arti, Via del Prione, 236

The Museo del Sigillo is one of the most unique museums in Europe. It houses a vast collection of seals from different historical periods, spanning ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals to ornate European heraldic stamps. This niche collection, curated with care, offers fascinating insights into the evolution of personal and official identification. It’s located within the Palazzina delle Arti, which also hosts temporary art exhibits.

6. Museo Diocesano (Diocesan Museum)
Distance: Approx. 15-minute walk
Location: Via del Prione, 156

Nestled inside the Oratory of San Bernardino, the Diocesan Museum focuses on sacred art and religious artifacts from the region. The quiet, contemplative atmosphere makes it an ideal stop for visitors interested in ecclesiastical history. Highlights include intricately carved altarpieces, liturgical garments, and paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

7. Museo Civico Etnografico Giovanni Podenzana
Distance: Approx. 15-minute walk
Location: Via del Prione, 156

Sharing the same building as the Diocesan Museum, this ethnographic museum documents the cultural traditions of La Spezia and the broader Lunigiana region. The collection includes traditional costumes, tools, and everyday objects that reflect the area’s agricultural and maritime heritage. There are also international exhibits, including items from Japan and Papua New Guinea.

8. Museo Nazionale dei Trasporti (National Museum of Transport)
Distance: Approx. 20-minute walk
Location: Via Fossitermi, 13

For fans of vintage vehicles, this museum offers a walk through transportation history. You’ll find restored trams, steam locomotives, and old buses, along with displays explaining the evolution of transportation in Italy. It’s a bit further from the port but still walkable if you’re up for it.

Planning Your Visit

All the museums listed are accessible on foot from the cruise terminal, mostly within 15 to 20 minutes. Many are clustered along Via del Prione, a lively pedestrian street full of shops and cafes, making it easy to combine museum visits with local dining and shopping. Most museums are closed on Mondays and have limited hours on Sundays, so it’s wise to check opening times in advance.

Final Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to visit San Giorgio Castle.
• Most museums offer written descriptions in English, but guided tours (if available) provide a deeper experience.
• Consider grabbing a gelato on Via del Prione or enjoying a seafood lunch at the harbor after your cultural walk.

La Spezia’s museums may not be as famous as those in Florence or Rome, but they offer a unique, authentic insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage—and they’re all just a pleasant stroll from your cruise ship. Whether you’re into ancient artifacts, naval history, or modern art, there’s something to pique every curiosity.

Enjoy your time in La Spezia—on foot and through its museums!