sign in sign up
<<
Home , Cinque Terre, Corniglia, Gulf of La Spezia, La Spezia, Lerici, Manarola

GOLFO DEI POETI - CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF WITH ALL-AROUND

PORT OF LA SPEZIA LA SPEZIA: A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

La Spezia is located in and is the capital city of a province blessed Port Authority made the decision to embark upon a number of ambitious by its position at the centre of one of the deepest and best protected projects, which started some years ago with a contest for ideas for the re - natural harbours on the Italian coast, in a rich and diverse area. The area design/rezoning of the waterfront. The new quay for cruise ships is at an offers natural, cultural, wine and gastronomical activities which can satisfy advanced stage and work is also taking place on the new sea station. the expectations and tastes of even the most demanding traveller. When both structures will be completed, La Spezia’s quays will be able to simultaneously host two big vessels. The wonders of the area’s natural surroundings include: the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Regional Nature Park of However, starting from 2013, these ships may count on a dedicated , which includes the islands, and and the mooring in the commercial port, the western quay of the Garibaldi pier and Protected Marine Area; and the Montemarcello- Regional Nature a terminal for the reception of passengers. Park. The Val di Magra, Val di and are green oases with a scattering of small towns and medieval villages: with its antiques The new wharf will be an extended triangular-shaped island with two shops and markets; , the high temple of opera and , quays, 393 and 339 metres in length, equipped with power supply systems the “Bookshop City”. A glorious past re-emerges at the archaeological site (shore supply). Located in the middle of the wharf, the sea station, used for of Luni, at the foot of the Apuan Alps, famous throughout the world for the passenger embarkation/disembarkation, will also house businesses and white marble quarries of , which are also within easy reach. The services which will function throughout the year and will be built using “Golfo dei Poeti” (Gulf of the Poets) has, throughout the centuries, attracted eco-compatible structural elements and environmentally sustainable design notable writers and poets: from Mary and Percy Shelley, and solutions. D.H. Lawrence through to Marinetti, Pavese and Sereni. The new terminal will be designed to fit in completely with the rest of the Convenient ferries make it possible to travel quickly from the waterfront waterfront and the town centre. It will thus be much easier in the future for of La Spezia to the beaches and cliffs of , , , cruise passengers to mix in with the locals and experience the atmosphere , Monterosso, Porto Venere (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), of a small but lively and interesting Mediterranean city. the isles of the archipelago and , another charming pearl of the Gulf, with its medieval castle, now a museum. Not far away lie the most important SEE YOU SOON IN LA SPEZIA! centres of Italian art: , , , and are all about an hour away while Versilia, Forte dei Marmi and Portofino can all be reached in just over half an hour. But the cultural heritage of La Spezia itself is also rich and original: the “U. Formentini” Archaeological Museum, the “Amedeo Lia” Museum of ancient and modern art, the Centre for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Naval Technical Museum, the “Museo del Sigillo” (museum of the seal), the Ethnographic Museum and the Diocesan Museum are all concentrated together in the with its Liberty mansions, shops, bars, markets, pedestrian routes, nineteenth-century gardens and promenade. PORT OF LA SPEZIA Not to forget the Military Arsenal, inaugurated in 1869. Convinced of the strength of these attractions, and in the certainty that La Spezia may justly present itself as a candidate for a front-line role in the cruise sector, the GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL

PORT OF LA SPEZIA WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND

MARANELLO

PARMA FLORENCE

GENOA LUCCA PORTOFINO

CINQUE SARZANA TERRE PORTO CARRARA VENERE LERICI PISA

LA SPEZIA APPENNINO TOSCO-EMILIANO NATIONAL PARK FRIGNANO REGIONAL PARK CENTO LAGHI PARK ALPI APUANE REGIONAL PARK

MONTEMARCELLO-MAGRA PORTO VENERE REGIONAL NATURAL PARK REGIONAL NATURAL PARK

CINQUE TERRE LA SPEZIA NATIONAL PARK AND PROTECTED MARINE AREA

GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL

PORT OF LA SPEZIA WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND LA SPEZIA At the head of a wonderful gulf beloved by poets and statesmen – among these Napoleone the emperor – La Spezia is the second centre in the Liguria region after Genoa. It is one of the main Italian military and commercial harbours, important for its museums, the biennial Festa della Marineria, the traditional Palio del Golfo, as well as for the railway and boat links with Cinque Terre. It experienced extraordinary development after 1861 when the great Arsenal of the Royal Navy was built here. After the extensive damage suffered by the city during the World War II, its port became the point of departure for the survivors of the Nazi camps, so many that on Israeli maps La Spezia is called the Door to Zion.

8 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 9 The Ligurian influence is Of great interest is the still visible in the urban Castle of San Giorgio layout of the city as well that hosts important as in the types of archaeological buildings and collections dating from decorations. It can be stelae statues, belonging seen by going along the to the Copper and Iron carrugio, the narrow Ages, to findings from street dividing the Old the ancient Roman Town into two, called Via colony of Luni. del Prione, taking its You should see the name from a large stone, Amedeo Lia Museum in local dialect in fact of ancient, medieval and In Sant'Agostino Square, prione, from where modern art, and the in the heart of the Old public announcements Technical Naval Museum, Town, you can enjoy a were read. hosted in the great cappuccino and Arsenal of the Italian croissant in front of the Navy. noble building where Virginia Oldoini, the divine Countess of Castiglione, lived.

Walking in the streets of La Spezia you can taste , a traditional Ligurian baked bread, and , a sort of thin, unleavened crêpe of chickpea flour. A real treat for the palate is tasting them together: in many pizzerias the Farinata is served also stuffed into Focaccia.

10 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 11 The Palio del Golfo has its roots in the maritime culture of the people of this area and takes place every year on the first Sunday of August in the waters off the promenade of La Spezia. It is primarily a rowing contest between thirteen boats – each one under the colors of a different sea village of the Gulf – handmade by local artisans with unique features that make them faster and more agile.

The Festa della Marineria is an important biennial event that takes place in La Spezia, dedicated to the culture of the sea in all its aspects. The festival – whose first edition was organized in 2009 – lasts four days in its classic format and offers a great program, all right in front of the sea and just a few meters from the center of the town. The 2013 edition included the great Tall Ships Regatta as the main attraction. United Nations Porto Venere, Cinque Terre CINQUE TERRE Educational, Scientific and and the Islands Cultural Organization Site inscribed on the World Heritage List on 1997 Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Paths, trains and boats connect five villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. In our times the Cinque Terre (Five Lands), a sharp portion of coast on the west of the city of La Spezia, are well-known worldwide and are a popular tourist destination. The coastline, the five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and, together with Porto Venere and the Islands of its archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1998, the Italian Ministry for the Environment set up a protected natural Marine Area here to protect the natural environment and to promote socio-economical development compatible with the natural landscape of the area. Have you ever heard of a rare and precious wine curiously called Sciachetrà? It is a sweet wine, produced only here in very small quantities and is a trading symbol of these lands, made from the fermentation of grapes left to dry on trellises under the sun.

The grapes of the Cinque Terre are used to produce two locally made wines: the Sciachetrà and the eponymous white Cinque Terre, both made using Bosco, , and grapes. These wines – together with Grappa and Limoncello – are produced by the Cooperativa Agricoltura delle Cinque Terre and other DOC producers.

The trail connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via dell'Amore (Love Path). It is a protected path, overlooking the sea and wheelchair-friendly. The stretch from Manarola to Corniglia is the easiest to hike, although it finishes with a climb of 368 steps.

16 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 17 On the table of the five coastal villages you can taste the typical dishes of the Ligurian cuisine: the Genovese Pasta al and especially the fish dishes, with some local specialties such as the famous anchovies from Monterosso. Known as pesce azzurro (blue fish) for the beautiful silvery color, the anchovies are one of the most fished in our sea and, therefore, one of the most consumed and exported.

Even the American Other particular director Martin Scorsese productions in the area has been seduced by this are olive oil, honey and wonderful landscape. lemons. This last goes Some shooting in his into making a typical latest movie, The Wolf of jam, as well as other Wall Street, were filmed kinds of products, such between Portofino and as olive oil soap flavored Vernazza. with citrus fruits.

In addition, the Cinque Terre have been the refuge and inspiration for many writers, from Dante to the Nobel Prize winner Eugenio Montale.

18 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 19 There are two main paths Then there is the coastal that reach and cross this path number 2, known as territory. The first is the the Blue Trail, which ridge trail number 1, connects Levanto to known as Alta Via delle Porto Venere through all Cinque Terre. This the villages. In the ancient trail runs along section between the watershed that Riomaggiore and separates the coast from Manarola it takes name the valley of Vara river. of the famous Love Path.

In the tourist season a scheduled boat service runs regularly from the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore to Porto Venere, which is connected with La Spezia and Lerici, and with the other towns of the Riviera di Levante. Corniglia, on the other hand, does not have a landing point, having no access to the sea.

20 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORTO VENERE United Nations Porto Venere, Cinque Terre Educational, Scientific and and the Islands Cultural Organization Site inscribed on the World Heritage List on 1997 Porto Venere is a town and municipality located on the extreme west side of the . It comprises the villages of Fezzano and Le Grazie, and the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. In 1997 Porto Venere and the villages of Cinque Terre were designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The ancient Portus Veneris is believed to date back to at least the middle of the 1st century BC. It has been said that the name refers to a temple to the goddess which was situated on the promontory where the church of Peter the Apostle now stands. The name has also been linked to that of the hermit Saint Venerius. In Roman times the city was essentially a fishing community. Byron's Grotto (formerly Cala dell’Arpaia), so named in honor of the British poet Lord Byron who, during his stay in the Gulf of La Spezia (1822), meditated here and drew inspiration from this place for his literary works. Also, a plaque commemorates his famous enterprise, when he defied the waves by swimming across the Gulf to visit his friend Shelley in Lerici.

In Porto Venere you must At the end of the Porto see: the Gothic Church of Venere peninsula there St. Peter, consecrated in are three small islands: 1198, built over a pre- Palmaria, Tino and existing 5th century Tinetto. Only Palmaria, Palaeo-Christian church; which lies directly the Romanesque church opposite the village of of St. Lawrence, erected Porto Venere beyond a in 1098 by the Genoese, narrow strait, is partially that probably occupies inhabited. the site of an ancient St. Venerius, patron of temple dedicated to the Gulf of La Spezia and ; the Castle of lighthouse keepers of with its walls that Italy, is celebrated on encompass the historic September 13 on the center. island of Tino.

The cross of St. George, a symbol of the community of Porto Venere, represents the secular alliance of the village with the ancient .

Popular local foods, like Trenette al Pesto, probably the most iconic among Genoese foods, are the result of that influence. Pesto sauce is prepared with fresh basil, pine nuts, grated Pecorino Sardo and Parmesan cheeses, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil ground together. According to tradition it is served with potatoes and green beans.

24 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 25 LERICI

Lerici is a town and municipality in the , part of the Italian Riviera. One of the main sights of Lerici is its famous Castle which, since its first founding in 1152, was used to help control the entrance of the Gulf of La Spezia. Today the Castle contains a museum of palaeontology. The town is connected by ferry to La Spezia, the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere. English writers and his wife lived here in an isolated old boat house and anchored their sailing boat in Lerici. Their closest neighbours were the villagers of the tiny hamlet of . Percy Bysshe Shelley was The many restaurants in drowned on July 8, 1822 Lerici will serve you in the Bay of La Spezia, delicious Frittura Mista returning to Lerici from a (or di Paranza), made journey to Leghorn and with many varieties of Pisa. The popularity of fried seafood served hot. Lerici with the Shelleys and with their well- known friend Lord Byron earned the bay its title of Golfo dei Poeti, the Poets' Bay.

In the Gulf of La Spezia, where the tradition of mussel cultivation dates back to the late 1800s, the local term to indicate mussels is Muscoli (muscles). You can try them in different ways: a typical dish of this territory is Muscoli Ripieni (stuffed mussels).

If you happen to be in The history of Lerici is Lerici in September, do closely interlaced with not miss "Mytiliade", an that of the Italian event dedicated to navigation. Commander everything about mussels. Francesco Tarabotto, who lead the Italian liner “Rex” across the Atlantic to conquer the Blue Riband in 1933, was from the town of Lerici.

28 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 29 Another traditional local dish is Polpo con Patate: cooked octopus and potatoes, sprinkled generously with fresh chopped parsley, salt and good extra-virgin olive oil. Taste it warm or cold, adding lemon juice if you want.

Spaghetti alle Vongole Near Lerici you can (spaghetti with clams) is discover beautiful one of the most famous beaches and small coves: and popular dishes of the San Terenzo, Venere Italian maritime culinary Azzurra, Fiascherino. At tradition. You should try the extreme east of the this real treat in front of Gulf make sure to visit the sea. the ancient village of with its church overlooking the sea. SARZANA

The position of Sarzana, at the boundary between Etruria and Liguria in Roman times, gave it military importance in the . The first mention of the city is from 983; in 1202 the episcopal see was transferred here from ancient Luni, 5 km southeast. The town was the birthplace of Pope Nicholas V in 1397, and, owing to its position, changed masters more than once, belonging first to Pisa, then to Florence, then to Genoa. A branch of a family Founded by the Romans which had acquired the in 177 BC at the mouth of name of Buonaparte, had the Magra river, the town settled near Sarzana of Luni was a military before 1264. In 1512 a stronghold for the member of the family campaigns against the permanently took up . It gives its name residence in to the Lunigiana territory. ( island) Points of interest include and become a direct the remains of the ancestor of the elliptical Roman emperor . amphitheatre (1st century AD) and the Archaeological Museum.

The many changes in its history left Sarzana an important architectural heritage: the conspicuous fortress, which remains a focus of attraction; the former citadel, built by the Pisans, demolished and re-erected by Lorenzo de’ Medici; the Castle on the hill of Sarzanello, built by the In , a , village on the hillside of that was later a Sarzana, sits the head of residence of the bishops the Enoteca Regionale of Luni; the noteworthy della Liguria, the Cathedral of white permanent exhibition of marble in Gothic style, Ligurian wines, housed in dating from 1355 and the cellars of a XVI completed in 1474; the century building. Pieve of Sant’Andrea, dating to the 10th-11th centuries; the Church of San Francesco, Don’t leave Sarzana documented from 1238 without first having and, according to tasted its most celebrated tradition, founded by St. sweet with an old Francis of himself. tradition, the Spongata, especially popular during the holiday season. Its crispy shell hides inside a precious stuffing rich in honey and a variety of dried and candied fruit.

34 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL 35 CARRARA

Since ancient times, the renown name of Carrara is inseparably associated with its marble. There were known settlements in the area as early as the 9th century BC, when the Apuan Ligures lived in the region. Carrara has been linked with the process of quarrying and carving marble since the Roman Age, after their conquest of Liguria in the early 2nd century BC. The town originated from the borough built to house workers in the quarries. Marble was exported from the nearby harbour of Luni at the mouth of the Magra river. The hike from Carrara to In Carrara don’t miss a the marble quarries is visit to Piazza Alberica, very fascinating, where the Duomo (12th the landscape is crossed century), and the Ducal by the ancient route Palace (also known as (1876) of the now Palazzo Cybo Malaspina, abandoned railway, used 16th century), now the for the transport of headquarter of the Fine Carrara marble from the Arts Academy where quarries to the sea. several ancient Roman findings are displayed.

The Pantheon and While in the hamlet of Trajan's Column in Colonnata, you can taste – as well as many a well-known delicacy, sculptures from the Lardo, made by curing Renaissance – were strips of fatback with carved from Carrara rosemary and other marble. Michelangelo herbs and spices. came here personally to Traditionally, it is cured select the blocks with for months in basins which to build his made of local marble. masterpieces.

The city has academies of sculpture and fine arts, a museum of statuaries and antiquities and an annual marble technology fair. The local marble is exported around the world, and marble from elsewhere is also fashioned and sculpted commercially here.

38 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL Florence is the birthplace of Dante and houses masterpieces by Giotto, FLORENCE Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Donatello. Trying to describe in a few words the city of Florence and its invaluable It is considered the cradle treasure of art is a very difficult task. The historic centre of Florence of the Renaissance, and attracts millions of tourists each year. Due to its history and culture, its has been called the Athens of the Middle artistic and architectural heritage, it is considered one of the most Ages. beautiful cities in the world. In 1982 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has been calculated that 30% of the most important works The works of art of art in the world is here. The city contains well-known museums and art produced in its heyday, galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, amongst others, such as the Venus by and is a landmark in Italian fashion, cuisine, craftsmanship, and lifestyle. Botticelli, over the course of time have become very popular icons, synonymous of beauty all over the world.

United Nations Historic Centre of Florence Educational, Scientific and Site inscribed on the Cultural Organization World Heritage List on 1982

40 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 41 There is not only the Perhaps the best-known The Arno river, which Uffizi Gallery to visit. The site in the city is Santa cuts through the old part Galleria dell'Accademia Maria del Fiore, known as of the city, is as much a houses a Michelangelo The Duomo (Dome), character in Florentine collection, including the which was built by history. One bridge in David. The Bargello is Filippo Brunelleschi. The particular stands out – specialized in sculpture nearby Campanile (partly the Ponte Vecchio (Old works. Palazzo Pitti designed by Giotto) and Bridge), whose most contains several works by the Baptistery buildings striking feature is the Raphael and Titian. are also highlights. multitude of shops built upon its edges, held up by stilts. The bridge also carries Vasari's elevated corridor linking the Uffizi to the Medici residence (Palazzo Pitti). It is the only bridge in the city to have survived World War II intact.

The Uffizi is located at the corner of Piazza della Signoria, a site important for being the centre of Florence's civil life and government for centuries. The Palazzo della Signoria facing it is still home to the municipal government.

PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 43 Florence is well-known for headquartered here. the elegance of its cafes Others, such as Prada and and tea rooms and it is Chanel, have large offices considered the birthplace and stores in the city. of the modern fashion Florence's main upscale industry in Italy. The city shopping street is Via de' has served as the home of Tornabuoni, where major the Salvatore Ferragamo luxury fashion houses and company since 1928. jewelry labels, such as Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Armani and Bulgari, have and Emilio Pucci are also their elegant boutiques.

The city is also the charming setting for the characters in A Room with a View, the award- winning British romance drama directed by James Ivory. The film is based on E. M. Forster's 1908 novel of the same name.

44 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 45 There are loads of wines were once choices for a quick meal delivered from the in Florence. Like vineyards. anywhere in Italy, the city offers great take-out. For a true Florentine You can try the many experience, try the Fiaschetterie, traditional sandwich stuffed with The majority of dishes in wine bars named for the boiled tripe called Florentine cuisine are fiaschi, straw-bottomed Lampredotto. based on meat. Antipasti flasks in which Tuscan include Crostini Toscani, sliced rounds of the typically saltless Tuscan The Bistecca alla bread topped with a Fiorentina is a large (the chicken liver-based pâté. customary size should But you can also taste its weigh around 1,200 soups, the Ribollita and grams – 40 oz.) T-bone the Pappa al Pomodoro, steak of renowned or the fresh vegetable Chianina beef cooked salad called Panzanella over hot charcoal and that is served mainly in served very rare, Its more summer. recently derived version, the Tagliata, is sliced rare beef served on a bed of arugula, often with slices Florence is one of the of Parmesan cheese on great wine-growing top. Most of these regions in the world. The courses are generally Chianti area is just south served with local extra- of the city, and its virgin olive oil, also a Sangiovese grapes figure prime product enjoying a prominently not only in worldwide reputation. its Chianti Classico wines but also in many of the more recently developed Supertuscan blends.

46 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 47 PISA United Nations Piazza del Duomo, Pisa Educational, Scientific and Site inscribed on the Cultural Organization World Heritage List on 1987 The origin of the name Pisa is a mystery and the provenance of the city was unknown for centuries. According to legend it was founded by some mythical Trojan refugees from a homonymous Greek city. Virgil, in his Aeneid, states that it was already a great center by the times described. Recent discoveries confirm its Etruscan origins. The power of Pisa began to grow and reached its apex in the 11th century when it acquired traditional fame as one of the four main historical Maritime Republics of Italy (Repubbliche Marinare). The charm of its great past is perceptible everywhere. Its Leaning Tower is a world-famous monument and its historic and artistic beauty make Pisa a tourist destination par excellence. The Leaning Tower is one of many works of art and architecture in the city's Piazza del Duomo, also known as (Square of Miracles). The Piazza also houses the Cathedral, the Baptistry and the Campo Santo (the monumental cemetery).

Among other interesting sights there is also the Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knights' Square), where the Palazzo della Carovana, with its impressive façade designed by Giorgio Vasari, may be seen.

50 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 51 Extending from the to the Monti Pisani, the local cuisine varies considerably. Traditional recipes are based on fish (Stoccafisso, Trippa) and meat (Tagliata di Mucco). To the delight of vegetarians, displayed on the tables of Pisa are San Miniato truffles, Santa Maria a Monte potatoes, Lari cherries and Cecina, made with chickpea flour (the same recipe of Farinata in La Spezia). To end on a sweet note you can taste the Torta co’ Bischeri while drinking the fortified Vin Santo.

The Luminara di San In Pisa there is a strong Ranieri, which takes place youth presence thanks to every year on the eve of a number of prestigious June 16 to celebrate the educational institutions: patron saint of the city, is the University of Pisa, the particularly striking due Scuola Superiore to the reflection of the Sant'Anna and the Scuola myriad of flickering lights Normale Superiore, this in the waters of the Arno latter attended by the river. elite.

Pisa offers solutions for all tastes and all budgets, from restaurants to the traditional Osterie (wine taverns). A Bruschetta is a wonderful way to capture the flavors of ripe summer tomatoes, fresh garden basil, extra- virgin olive oil and garlic.

PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 53 LUCCA

Lucca was founded by the Etruscans on a pre-existing Ligurian settlement and became a Roman colony in 180 BC. The rectangular grid of its historical centre preserves the Roman street plan, and Piazza San Michele occupies the site of the ancient forum. The form and traces of the amphitheatre can still be seen in the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. Before the Napoleonic conquest, Lucca had been the second largest Italian city state (after ) with a republican constitution () to remain independent over the centuries. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is an elliptical square born in the Middle Ages on the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheatre (2nd century BC). The revival of the ancient urban structure was decided in the 19th century.

There are many richly built churches here, a few as old as the 8th century: the Duomo of San Martino, the Church of San Michele in Foro, the Romanesque church of San Giusto, the Basilica of San Frediano, and the Church of Sant'Alessandro.

In the Duomo of San Martino (the Cathedral of the city) do not miss a chance to visit the sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, an enchanting sculptural work in marble by Jacopo della Quercia (1406-1408).

PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 57 Historic cafes and Spelt is the most ancient restaurants tempt type of wheat. visitors to relax over a Here it is used for a soup glass or two of Lucchesi made from Borlotti wine with a slow beans, herbs (celery, progression of rustic onion, garlic, sage and The famous Renaissance- dishes prepared using marjoram), rind of ham era city walls around the fresh produce from the and, of course, extra- Old Town remained intact nearby Garfagnana. virgin olive oil from the as the city expanded and hills of Lucca. modernized. Today the Passeggiata delle Mura is a wonderful pedestrian promenade, the perfect starting point to explore the city by foot.

The Guinigi Tower, donated to the local government by the descendents of the noble Guinigi family, is one of the few remaining towers within the city walls. Its main characteristic is its hanging garden on the top.

58 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 59 PARMA

Parma is an important city in the region of Emilia-Romagna, former capital of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza (1545-1859) and home of the University of Parma, one of the oldest universities in the world. It is famous worldwide for its food and rich gastronomical tradition – in 2004 Parma was appointed the seat of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – as well as for its passion for music, its art and architecture, and its surrounding countryside. Parma is a real temple of gastronomy. Its territory is the birthplace and the production area of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (the true, original Parmesan, also produced in the province of Reggio Emilia) and Prosciutto di Parma (dry-cured Parma ham). The city also claims several kinds of stuffed pasta dishes like Tortelli d'erbetta and Anolini in broth.

Recognized icons of the city are Mannerist painter Parmigianino, preeminent composer Giuseppe Verdi and acclaimed conductor Arturo Toscanini. Parma is proud of its prestigious venues for music, like the Teatro Regio opera house and the Teatro Farnese, a 17th century jewel built totally in wood.

62 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 63 Here the dreams and passion of one man became epos. Here one of the most celebrated MARANELLO brands worldwide was born. Here the most attractive cars in the universe continue to be manufactured. This is the birthplace of the black prancing horse, the temple for all the disciples of the red legend. Welcome to Maranello, the home town of Ferrari.

64 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 65 United Nations Cathedral, Torre Civica Educational, Scientific and and Piazza Grande, Cultural Organization Site inscribed on the World Heritage List on 1997

Enzo Ferrari, the father of the brand, founded the company in 1947. Throughout its history, the image and the Maranello is not far from production of vehicles, Modena, where you can from racing cars to road admire its celebrated cars, have garnered Piazza Grande (Big popularity all over the Square), the architectural world. masterpiece which is dominated by the Cathedral and the Torre Museo Ferrari, located Civica. While in Modena, close to the Ferrari don’t miss a chance to factory in Maranello, take a break for a glass of displays cars, trophies, Lambrusco wine and to photographs and other taste Tortellini, the city's historical objects related contribution to the Italian to the Italian motor pasta culture. Modena is racing industry. also well known in culinary circles for its production of balsamic vinegar.

66 GOLFO DEI POETI - CINQUE TERRE CRUISE TERMINAL PORT OF LA SPEZIA - WITH ITALY ALL-AROUND 67