La Spezia has a strong maritime heritage. Shipbuilding, seafaring and naval defense have played an integral part in the city’s development. Trace the evolution of naval technology through the impressive collection at Museo Tecnico Navale. The museum, in its current site since 1958, holds a vast collection of objects relating to naval history.
Exhibits are spread across two floors. Start with the older model boats, which show examples of ancient vessels. Move onward to the eye-catching collection of figureheads. These ornate carved decorations adorn the bows of ships and were thought to help protect the ships’ crews from harm. Try to find the famous Atalanta figurehead displayed here, which depicts a beautiful woman. But be warned: legend has it this mysterious figurehead has the power to seduce men and lead them to death.
If you have an interest in military history you will find plenty to keep you entertained. Examine several fragments of the Italian World War II torpedo submarine Sciré. These fragments were recovered from the waters of Haifa, where the submarine was sunk by British depth charges. Learn all about the history and development of the torpedo by viewing an early prototype and tracing the evolution of underwater weapons.
Head to the antique arms display to see rare naval weaponry. Among the highlights here is a machine gun confiscated from Chinese Boxers in 1901. Don’t miss the exhibits on Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. The display documents his pioneering experiments in the Gulf of La Spezia in 1897, where he had a breakthrough in developing long-distance radio communication technology.
Museo Tecnico Navale is located in a building beside the main entrance to the historic naval dockyards. It is open daily and charges a small entrance fee. The museum is located 0.8 miles (1.4 kilometers) from La Spezia’s Centrale train station.
