Via Del Prione (Street of the Whetstone), La Spezia (must see)
Street of the Whetstone (Via del Prione) is one of the most historic and vibrant streets in La Spezia, offering a glimpse into the city's past while remaining a lively modern-day gathering place. Known locally as "Carugio Drito" (literally, "the straight street"), it has served as a central hub for residents and visitors alike for centuries. The name "Prione" derives from the Genoese word "pria", meaning stone, referring to a pulpit where town criers once stood to announce important news during public assemblies.
Over time, this street evolved into La Spezia鈥檚 primary shopping street, where merchants, carts, and vendors created a bustling marketplace. It was along this very street that the famous German composer Richard Wagner found inspiration for the prelude of The Rhine Gold while staying in the city.
Today, Street of the Whetstone remains one of La Spezia鈥檚 must-visit destinations, with its pedestrian-friendly layout making it perfect for a leisurely stroll through the historic center. The street is lined with a variety of boutiques, traditional bakeries, artisan shops, and charming caf茅s, offering visitors an authentic taste of local life. Alongside shopping and dining, several museums and cultural sites are scattered along the route, making it an ideal place to explore both history and modern Italian lifestyle.
Over time, this street evolved into La Spezia鈥檚 primary shopping street, where merchants, carts, and vendors created a bustling marketplace. It was along this very street that the famous German composer Richard Wagner found inspiration for the prelude of The Rhine Gold while staying in the city.
Today, Street of the Whetstone remains one of La Spezia鈥檚 must-visit destinations, with its pedestrian-friendly layout making it perfect for a leisurely stroll through the historic center. The street is lined with a variety of boutiques, traditional bakeries, artisan shops, and charming caf茅s, offering visitors an authentic taste of local life. Alongside shopping and dining, several museums and cultural sites are scattered along the route, making it an ideal place to explore both history and modern Italian lifestyle.
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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Via Del Prione (Street of the Whetstone) on Map
Sight Name: Via Del Prione (Street of the Whetstone)
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