La Spezia and the Liberty Style.

At the end of the nineteenth century and in the first decades of the twentieth century, the city of La Spezia experienced intense economic development thanks to the construction of the military arsenal and the shipyard, which soon became the largest in the Kingdom of Italy.

The medieval walls were largely demolished, and the first working-class neighborhoods were established, while on the hills of the city, elegant villas of the new bourgeoisie were built. In both contexts, buildings with floral inspirations and soft lines spread, giving life to a new style called Liberty, better known as Art Nouveau.
The Liberty style first spread in the city in a working-class neighborhood, the so-called “Umbertino quarter,” desired by King Umberto I to house workers from all over Italy and built in record time between 1855 and 1889.

During this period, the historic center was also beautified with squares and gardens. Social life took place in cafes, strolling under the arcades of Via Chiodo or in the beautiful gardens where concerts or parties were organized. Thanks to the city’s economic development, many artists, craftsmen, and designers came to La Spezia, giving the city a new face using new stylistic techniques.

The most famous Liberty-style buildings that we can still admire today include: Palazzo Maggiani, Palazzo Contesso Vivaldi, Palazzo del Ghiaccio, Palazzo Carletti, Villa Marmori Ceretti Conservatory Giacomo Puccini, and many others.

Staying at Downtown Blue Apartment will give you the chance to walk through the historic center and enjoy the beauty of these buildings that characterize the city.