La Spezia

Province of northwest Italy in eastern Liguria region, located by the sea on the Gulf of La Spezia; capital La Spezia, area 882 sq km/341 sq mi; population (2000 est) 303,800.

The first written mention of the area was in 1224. Over the centuries the city was controlled by several different groups, the most important of which were the Genoese. Due to its coastal location the area was subject to frequent raids by pirates, as well as by Spanish and French fleets.

Features include the Roman villa at Varignano and the medieval mountainside hamlets of Biassa and Campiglia. An old church, reconstructed in the 18th century, is to be found at Marinasco, while 19th century fortifications are found at the Fort of Montalbano.