Exploring the Majestic San Giorgio Castle: A Journey Through La Spezia’s Medieval History
The San Giorgio Castle in La Spezia is considered the most characteristic monument of the history of La Spezia and is situated on a modest elevation called “Colle del Poggio,” which dominates the medieval city. The original core of the castle dates back to the 13th century by the will of Nicolò Fieschi, who, wanting to establish his Guelph Lordship over La Spezia, expanded an old high medieval fort that already existed on the Poggio hill.
In 1273, the troops of the Republic of Genoa defeated the Fieschi forces, stormed the castle, and destroyed it. Over the following centuries, the Fort became the property of the Ligurian Republic, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the Kingdom of Italy. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times with radical changes made for the use of firearms to strengthen the defense of the gulf.
The characteristic Ghibelline merlons and the patrol path of the guards are still visible.
The castle ceased its defensive function of the gulf and the city in the 19th century. Its current owner is the Municipality of La Spezia.
The San Giorgio Castle in La Spezia currently houses the Archaeological Collections of the Ubaldo Formentini Museum, a rich collection of Lunigiana steles as well as mosaics from the excavations of the city of Luni.
The beautiful San Giorgio castle-fortress is just a few minutes’ walk from Down Town Blue Apartment and is the ideal destination for all those who want to immerse themselves in history and enjoy this wonder within the city.