Piazza del Mercato (Market Square), La Spezia
Market Square, or Piazza del Mercato, is a vibrant and essential part of daily life in La Spezia. Every morning, except Sundays, the square bursts into activity as locals gather to shop for fresh produce, flowers, fish, cheese, and cured meats. Unlike tourist-oriented markets, the Market Square offers an authentic Italian shopping experience, where visitors find themselves elbow-to-elbow with residents selecting the finest seasonal ingredients. The market is located in the heart of the historic center, at the end of the pedestrian-friendly Cavour Avenue, making it a must-visit destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in local flavors and traditions.
One of the standout features of Market Square is its modern architectural design, which was carefully crafted to reflect La Spezia鈥檚 maritime heritage. The wave-shaped roof, constructed from galvanized steel, aluminum, and glass, mimics the movement of the sea, while two central glass sails evoke the image of a ship in full motion. This structure is not only visually striking but also functional, with carefully designed ventilation and lighting systems that ensure an optimal microclimate for both vendors and shoppers. The semi-structural glazing, combined with a unique water wall system, helps regulate temperature and lighting, ensuring a comfortable shopping environment throughout the year.
Beyond its impressive architectural features, the Market Square is a sensory delight, offering a spectacular array of colors, aromas, and flavors that captivate both locals and visitors. The stalls brim with seasonal fruits, vegetables, fresh seafood, and artisan breads, while the cheese and cured meat sections showcase regional specialties, including the renowned Val di Vara cheeses.
The flower market adds a burst of color, reflecting the changing seasons, and creating an ever-evolving landscape of natural beauty. Among the most enchanting sections is the fish market, where the day鈥檚 freshest catch is displayed, offering an unmissable glimpse into La Spezia鈥檚 deep connection with the sea.
One of the standout features of Market Square is its modern architectural design, which was carefully crafted to reflect La Spezia鈥檚 maritime heritage. The wave-shaped roof, constructed from galvanized steel, aluminum, and glass, mimics the movement of the sea, while two central glass sails evoke the image of a ship in full motion. This structure is not only visually striking but also functional, with carefully designed ventilation and lighting systems that ensure an optimal microclimate for both vendors and shoppers. The semi-structural glazing, combined with a unique water wall system, helps regulate temperature and lighting, ensuring a comfortable shopping environment throughout the year.
Beyond its impressive architectural features, the Market Square is a sensory delight, offering a spectacular array of colors, aromas, and flavors that captivate both locals and visitors. The stalls brim with seasonal fruits, vegetables, fresh seafood, and artisan breads, while the cheese and cured meat sections showcase regional specialties, including the renowned Val di Vara cheeses.
The flower market adds a burst of color, reflecting the changing seasons, and creating an ever-evolving landscape of natural beauty. Among the most enchanting sections is the fish market, where the day鈥檚 freshest catch is displayed, offering an unmissable glimpse into La Spezia鈥檚 deep connection with the sea.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in La Spezia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Piazza del Mercato (Market Square) on Map
Sight Name: Piazza del Mercato (Market Square)
Sight Location: La Spezia, Italy (See walking tours in La Spezia)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: La Spezia, Italy (See walking tours in La Spezia)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in La Spezia, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in La Spezia
Creating your own self-guided walk in La Spezia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
La Spezia Introduction Walking Tour
A short train hop from the famed coastal area of Cinque Terre, La Spezia is Liguria鈥檚 unsung hero. Tucked snugly between cliffs and the shimmering Ligurian Sea, it sits conveniently between Genoa and Pisa. Often passed over by the crowds, those who pause here are rewarded with a blend of historical intrigue, cultural flair, and mouthwatering seafood鈥攁ll served up against a backdrop of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles