Something classic Something special

La Spezia
Something classic
•Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Genoa
•Portofino, S. Margherita Ligure
Something special
•Five Lands , Gulf of Poets
•Lunigiana castles and archaeology
•Nature Reserves of Montemarcello Magra
and Palmaria archipelago
•Parma culture and gastronomy
•Maranello and Ferrari world
September 2008
1
Index
The Port of La Spezia:
Location
For cruise ships: technical info and services
Tourist areas from La Spezia
Something Classic
Florence
Pisa
Lucca
Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure
Genoa and Liguria gastronomy
Something Special
La Spezia and the Gulfs of Poets
Nature reserve of Palmaria Tino and Tinetto
Five Lands
Lunigiana: medieval castles and Roman archaeology
Nature reserve of Montemarcello-Magra
Parma: gastronomy and music itineraries
Maranello: the world of Ferrari cars
References
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The Port of La Spezia
Location
La Spezia is in the center of a magnificent Gulf - 13.5 km long, 8.7 km wide - having a surface area of 95 km sq, located in the far eastern part of
Liguria (North West of Italy).
The Gulf of La Spezia has always been considered a natural port because of its natural morphology. The Gulf is sheltered from northern winds
(north/west mountains) and southern winds (islands of Tino and Tinetto): also for these reasons its location and services are available all year round.
In the second half of the nineteenth century it became the seat of the Military Navy, and a large Military Shipyard was built at that time. The
construction of the shipyard changed the aspect of the city. Newer and larger urban areas were reserved for the population thus making life a bit
easier. Nowadays the port of La Spezia is one of the major Italian military and commercial harbours. An excellent network of roads and railways
connect it to the main monumental, artistic and natural attractions of Tuscany, Liguria, and to Parma and Ferrari areas. Being the best starting point
for boat and bus excursions to the Five Lands and the Gulf of Poets.
LAT : 44° 07’ N
LON : 9° 50’ E
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La Spezia is in the center of the Ligurian Gulf of Poets (from Lerici to Portovenere), it is the best starting point to the beautiful area of “Five Lands”,
and it is not far from Portofino and S. Margherita Ligure.
The distances to the main tourist centers
of Tuscany are similar to those from Leghorn.
Distance (km) from La Spezia to:
Five Lands
<30
Portofino
90
Genoa
110
Lucca
80
Pisa
80
Florence
140
Parma
120
Milan
220
Bologna
220
Venice
367
Roads and motorways
La Spezia is the “crossing point” of 2 important routes:
-- the Genoa-Rome route, by road with s/s Aurelia, by motorway, with A12
-- the Parma – La Spezia route, by road s/s della Cisa, by motorway, with A15
Motorways entrance is approx. 5 km from the Port.
Railways
Also the railways station of La Spezia serves 2 routes: Genoa-Rome and Parma-La Spezia.
It is 4 km from the Port
Airports
At 80 km: the international airport “Galileo Galilei” of Pisa ; at 125 km: the international airport
“Cristoforo Colombo” of Genoa ; at 12 km: the third level class airport of Luni.
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The Port of La Spezia
For cruise ships: technical info and services
For cruise ships, the port of La Spezia arranges 3 anchoring positions, at 4-6 minutes by tender from the La Spezia Cruise Facility (LSCF) land
cruise terminal, a large and comfortable floating pier located in front of the city Public Gardens.
The anchoring of cruise ships is a positive economic aspect, as it greatly minimize port costs.
5
Embarkation/disembarkation operations are carried out through a
floating platform; starting last June 2008, a second floating platform,
JF type, 20 x 5.6 mts, has been working for mega-ships.
Ship tenders arrive at the floating pier / cruise terminal in 4-6 minutes.
The excursions Buses wait passengers in a specific dedicated area,
at 50 mt from the floating pier.
Entertainment and services for passengers and crew are close to the
port, within walking distance: shops, museums, restaurants, bars,
pizzerias, pubs
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Tourist areas from La Spezia
“Something Classic, Something Special”
From La Spezia, cruise passengers can easily reach and visit the classic , worldwide known tourist sites , as :
classic
Florence * Pisa * Lucca * Portofino and S. Margherita Ligure * Genoa
But also they can discover something really special:
special
the Gulf of Poets poetry * the Five Lands small villages (Unesco Heritage) * Lunigiana: medieval castles
and Roman archaeology * the Nature Reserves of Montemarcello Magra and Palmaria Islands
Parma: the town, its gastronomy and music itineraries * Maranello: the world of Ferrari motors and cars
where
• to visit old villages (mainly from the sea)
• to practice walking or trekking
• to try kayaking or rafting
• to experience bird watching
• to taste fantastic foods and wines
• to admire archaeology remains of a
Roman town and Middle Ages castles
• to discover caves
• to follow classic music passions
• to meet the Ferrari world
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Something classic
Florence
( at approx. 140 km , 2 hrs by bus)
~500,000 inhabitants
Florence is one of the most historical and artistic town of the world. It
preserves an excellent artistic witnessing of centuries of civilization,
admirable in its churches, museums, monuments.
What to see: Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, il Ponte Vecchio, the
Michelangelo’s David, the Loggia della Signoria, the Carhedral, with
Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower, Santa Maria Novella Church, the Uffizi’s
Museum, Santa Croce Church, the Medicean Chapels ... and many other
beautiful places.
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Something classic
Pisa
(at approx. 80 km , 1 hr by bus)
~ 90,000 inhabitants
Situated on the banks and by the outlet of the river
Arno, it had been one important Republic of the Sea
and spreaded its power out to Corsica isle. Its
decadence has been determined by both the rivalry
with Lucca d Florence, and, most of all, by the clash
with Genoa, the rival Republic of rhe Sea. Its artistic
estate is mostly in Miracles' Square where you can
admire the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Camposanto,
and especially the bell tower, known all over the world
as the Leaning Tower. Another important monument
is the Church of St. Maria della Spina, recently
restored, on the Arno's riverside.
Something classic
Lucca
(at approx. 80 km , 1 hr by bus)
~ 80,000 inhabitants
Lucca was founded by the Etruscans and became a
Roman colony. Its historical center preserves the
Roman street plan and many traces of Roman sites.
Lucca was important also during the Middle Age,
the Italian Renaissance and in Bonaparte’s period.
What to see: the walls, fully intact todays, now a
pedestrian promenade which encircled the old town;
the St Martin's Cathedral ; Piazza dell'Anfiteatro ;
Piazza Napoleone; Piazza San Michele; the Ducal
Palace ; the ancient Roman amphitheatre; the
church of San Michele in Foro; the Basilica of San
Frediano
Something classic
Portofino and S. Margherita L.
(at approx 90 km , 1 hr by bus)
Portofino: ~ 550 inhabitants
Portofino , a small village on the Ligurian Riviera, was founded by the Romans and
named Portus Delphini, or Port of the Dolphin, because of the large number of dolphins
that inhabited the Tigullian Gulf. Nowadays it is a picturesque, small (ex fishing people)
village and tourist resort, with restaurant, bars and shops, considered anyway one of the
most beautiful Mediterranean ports.
To visit: the village, the Castello Brown, the San Martino Church.
Santa Margherita Ligure: ~ 10,500 inhabitants
Very close to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is a town surrounded
by hills covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation: a paradisiacal setting
for villas and gardens , all with spectacular views on to the coast
Typical products and luxury brands are offered by the local shops, and
the port welcomes luxury yachts as well as local traditional fishing
vessels.
The port is also the site for sporting activities, such as sailing and
canoeing, as well as numerous fashionable social events linked to the
international sailing regattas.
Something classic
Genoa
(at approx. 110 km , 1,5 hrs by bus)
~ 800,000 inhabitants (incl. suburbs)
Genoa is a city with an old history, focused on its central position in the North Tyrrenic sea.
Nowaday part of the old city is inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO).
What to see:
San Lorenzo Cathedral, Via Garibaldi, Piazza de Ferrari, Porta Soprana and the Colombo’s
House, the Rolli Buildings (Palazzi dei Rolli), S. Matteo Church, the Porto Antico area with the
Bigo (Renzo Piano architectures), the hystorical center (the largest in Europe)
LIGURIA GASTRONOMY
The cuisine in Liguria is 100% Mediterranean, bursting with fresh flavours, healthy seafood, extra virgin olive oils and most famously,
Pesto. Pesto sauce (typical from Genoa) is made with basil, pine nuts, Pecorino cheese, garlic and copious amounts of good olive oil.
It usually accompanies trenette pasta or gnocchi. Another tipycal sauce is the nuts sauce, for accompanying the “pansotti”, similar,
but different, to raviolis. Liguria is also well known for Focaccia, a flat bread with oils and salt, and Farinata, a thin mixture of chickpea flour, olive oil and water cooked in large pots in wood-burning ovens. Local wines from east side of Liguria are mainly white, as
“Vermentino”, or “Pigato”, or, from Five Lands area, the rare “Sciacchetrà”
Something special
La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets
From the Cruise Terminal floating pier:
La Spezia downtown: 5 min by walking
Portovenere: at 13 km by bus, 20 min by boat
Lerici: at 12 km by bus, 20 min by boat
The Gulf of La Spezia is one of the most wide and deep inlets of the whole Tyrrhenian
coast. It is encircled by two promontories and delimited by an amphitheatre of hills and
mountains. The coasts are mainly high and jagged, with imposing rocky spurs that separate
the calm bays, well-protected from the wind.
For over 2,000 years, the beauty of these places has been sung by the words of poets and
writers and has been portrayed by the works of painters and artists who were attracted by
the nature which was wild but at the same time friendly to this gulf, impressed by the light
sea breeze, by the winding hills or by the harsh rocks steeply overlooking the sea.
Shelley, Lord Byron, Wagner and Montale have all been inspired by the beauty and the
romantic scenery of La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and the small cliff top villages facing the
sea. The towns and villages of the gulf are all popular tourist destinations, thanks to their
enchanting atmosphere.
The name Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of the Poets) was born in this way: thanks to the famous
people that have lived the atmospheres of this landscape, silent and romantic atmospheres
that blend with the most intimate feelings of the soul.
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Something special
La Spezia (~ 100,000 inhabitants)
For centuries, from pre-historic times, La Spezia has always been a port, because of its natural morphology. After Romans period (Luni remains near
Sarzana), due to pirate invasions, the village was protected by defensive walls and a castle. Today it is one of the major Italian military and commercial
harbours.
In the historical centre of La Spezia (within walking distance
from the cruise floating pier), Prione Street is closed to traffic
therefore allowing pedestrians to walk safely and fully enjoy
shopping, as is the parallel Corso Cavour, with splendid
examples of “Liberty” style buildings
On the first Sunday of every month, you may enjoy the
“CercaAntico”, a rich exposition of furniture, silverware, jewels
and antiques which attracts more than a hundred exhibitors
from Italy and abroad.
The visit of the Amedeo Lia Museum, in the city center, is also
very interesting: it includes paintings (from XIII to XVIII cent.),
ivory and silver objects from the Middle Ages and Renaissance,
ceramic, glass and crystal objects from different periods.
The San Giorgio Castle hosts the archaeological museum,
with marble and other materials recovered from the Roman
colony of Luni. It offers a fantastic view on the city and the Gulf,
too.
Chiodo Square is the entrance to the Military Shipyard and to
other great 19th-century military buildings. Recently, this
important naval base, an area of 165 hectares with 12 kilometres
of roads has been open to the public, also for visiting the
prestigious Naval Museum.
The city-tour through the tourist train includes stops for
shopping and cultural visits.
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Something special
Lerici (~ 10,600 inhabitants)
Lerici is situated in the eastern part of the Gulf of La Spezia, in one of the most enchanting
inlets of the whole coast. The village, surrounded by green hilly olive groves, offers to
visitors two different features: dominated by the castle , the antique part embraces the
characteristic port, and the modern part, with hotels, restaurants, bars and typical shops.
Even nowadays, tourists can admire the original Middle Age configuration of the village, with
characteristic houses lines along the tortuous streets called "carruggi
Around Lerici: the enchanting S. Terenzo and Fiascherino, and Tellaro, inside the Monte
Marcello Natural Reserve
Portovenere (~ 4,000 inhabitants)
What was once called 'Portus Veneris', is situated in the most western part of the Gulf of La
Spezia and is considered one of the most suggestive villages of La Spezia's coast-line.
For many years, in Middle Age, with the 3 islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, it belonged to
Genoese Republic, that built the majestic castle and the characteristic houses, having
residential and defensive function.
Nowadays Porto Venere is a unique resort site, a pleasant combination of a primitive
environment and modern equipment, like hotels, bars, restaurants.
To visit: the Castle, the S. Pietro Church, the Byron Cave , the village
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Something special
Nature reserve of Palmaria, Tino and
Tinetto (Unesco World Heritage Site from 1997)
Archipelago of three closely spaced islands jutting out south
from the mainland at Portovenere, that represents the natural
continuation of its promontory: over 9,000 years ago, they were
joined. The islands are characterized by caves and cavities: in
the “Grotta dei Colombi “ cave (the most famous, in Palmaria
Islands) finds dating from the Paleolithic Age to the Iron Age
have been discovered.
Isola Palmaria
Caves and ravines: Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Vulcanica, Grotta dei
Colombi; birds: the largest colony of Herring Gulls of the
Ligurian Sea; botanic: the Mediterranean maquis . At the summit
of the island, near Batteria del Semaforo, an Environmental
Education Center has been established: it welcomes groups of
experts dealing with research activities and, during the summer ,
proposes also activities organized by WWF.
Isola del Tino
Military area: it has always been surrounded by mystery,
probably also deriving from its historical inaccessibility. Starting
last year, thanks to an agreement between the Park and the
Navy, it is possible to have a guided tour every month.
MARINE EDUCATIONAL BY BOAT
A special, inter-active tour that allows also no-diver people to discover
the underwater secrets of the Portovenere archipelago.
During navigation, passengers are educated by specialists on environmental and
nature aspects of the area. Then, they arrive to the immersion site, where it is
possible to dive with guides. Not-diving passengers can remain in contact with
them through audio-video systems, while guides explain them what divers are
watching and discovering.
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Something special
Five Lands (Cinque Terre)
From La Spezia:
Monterosso: at 30 km
Riomaggiore: at 11 km
RIOMAGGIORE – MANAROLA
CORNIGLIA – VERNAZZA
MONTEROSSO :
Five miles of rocky coast in eastern Liguria, two promontories lie at each
extremity, thousands of kilometres of dry walling, cultivated into vineyards,
five southerly villages castled up on spurs of stone or disposed in clusters of
very small inlets. These are the co-ordinates of the Cinque Terre (Five
lands).
Finally recognised as a National Park in 1999 and UNESCO protected
territory since 1997 as a system of naturalistic environmental interest.
This zone is characterised by the presence of precipitous slopes which
have been cultivated into vineyards by means of fatiguing system of
terracing the only evidence of transformation operated by the laborious
human activity on the territory.
The suggestive type of coastal projections on the sea with sheer cliffs
that often overtake the verticality alternated with bays, winding paths
and enchanting small beaches between cliffs with a profound back drop,
a rich variety of fish all of which make this district an authentic natural
”work of art".
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Something special
Monterosso (al Mare) (~ 1,600 inhabitants)
Monterosso is the westernmost of the Cinque Terre and (for expert walkers) is also reachable by walking along a quite difficult part of the "Sentiero
Azzurro" footpath. The village is protected by hills covered with vineyards (the famous Cinque Terre wine) and olive groves. Its beautiful beaches, steep
rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, make this one of the most charming resorts on the Ligurian Eastern Riviera. The medieval tower "Aurora", located
on the hills of the Cappuccini, separates the ancient part of the village from the more modern part. In the church of San Francesco, works of great
importance such as the Crucifixion (believed by many to have been painted by Van Dyck), are preserved.
Vernazza (~ 1,000 inhabitants)
A path with breathtaking views winding along Mediterranean groves and
partly deserted fields and vineyards, reaches its peak on the route leading to
Vernazza.
This village, founded around the 1st Century, over time acquired deeprooted maritime traditions. Some examples of excellent architecture, such as
loggias, arcades and portals are evidence of a standard of living that was
economically and socially superior to that of the other villages of the Cinque
Terre
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Something special
Corniglia (~ 250 inhabitants)
Corniglia is located on the ridge of a rocky promontory, at the foot of a terraced vineyard. More concentrated
on agriculture than on fishing, this farming community is very similar architecturally to inland agricultural
villages. The parish church of Saint Peter, 'San Pietro', built in 1334 on the ruins of an old 11th century
chapel, is one of the most beautiful, Gothic-Ligurian style monuments to be found in the Cinque Terre. It has
been subsequently renovated but still retains a baroque overlay. Under the churchyard there is a black stone
building with Gothic arches which is traditionally thought to be the ancient seat of the Fieschi family.
Manarola (~ 400 inhabitants)
Manarola is a very ancient village; in a dominant position, overlooking the centre of the village, there is
the Church, built in Gothic style in 1338. Sheltered in a deep gorge between two promontory rocks, there
is the little port, and a few shops selling typical products.
It is connected to Riomaggiore with a beautiful coastal footpath, called the Lovers'
Riomaggiore (~ 1,700 inhabitants)
Riomaggiore is the easternmost of the Cinque Terre and is located in the narrow valley of the "rio Maior", along whose course the village was born
(8th Century). Though maintaining its fishing and agricultural roots, tourism has become very important to the economic life of the village over the
last few decades, partly due to its easy access from La Spezia.
The village has an urban layout made up of a series of footpaths which follow the outline of the land. These steep footpaths allow direct access to the
upper floors of some of the houses, the oldest of which are tower-like and built vertically in parallel clusters. Overlooking the village is the parish
church of Saint John the Baptist, built in 1340 by the Bishop of Luni; remarkable are the ruins of a 15-16th Century castle.
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Something special
Lunigiana: medieval castles and Roman archaelogy
La Spezia Pontremoli: at 43 km, approx 1 hr by bus
La Spezia – Sarzana : at 20 km, less than ½ hr by bus
The Lunigiana area is well situated in Italy and Tuscany, between the classic city of
Pontremoli, in the north, and ,the beautiful town of Sarzana, in the south, along
the course of the Magra river and its affluents.
Its name comes from the ancient Romanport city of Luni; around XIII Cent. the area
was controlled by the Malaspina family: from those days many castles (about 100!)
and villages (borghi) as well as palaces still remain to visit . The great poet Dante
stayed here while working on his Divine Comedy and helping keeping the peace
between the competing Malaspina family members.
Visits are possible not only by bus but also by biking on the famous Via Francigena ,
the pilgrim's road from Canterbury to Rome.. For fishermen, there are various places
for (free) fishing .
The prestigious Bancarelvino prize for best wine and winebook of the year, is
presented during the festival in the village of Mulazzo; it take splace in the first week
of July. In August, all villages organize festivals.
Borghi and castles: Montereggio, Castiglione del Terziere, Malgrate, Filattiera,
Bagnone, Filetto (most from Byzantine origin), Tresana, Lusuolo, Caprigliola and
Fosdinovo, the Malaspina Casltles in Fosdinovo, Lusuolo, Castevoli…
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Something special
Sarzana and the Roman town of Luni
~ 21,200 inhabitants
The position of Sarzana, in Lunigiana, at the entrance to the valley of the Magra
river (ancient Macra), the boundary between Etruria and Liguria in Roman times,
gave it military importance from Middle Ages period.
To visit:
-- the Gothic Cathedral, the former Citadel, the Palazzo del Capitano, the
castle of Sarzanello
-- the archaeological site of Luni: the city had risen as a roman colony in 177
B.C. to assure definite possession of the Ligurian coastal area, protection of the
port, and control over the Ligurians. Originally the city was at the sea, while today
it's almost 2 km away . Its name has been interpreted as that of the goddess
Luna, whose cult is witnessed by inscriptions, or probably deriving from the
sweeping line of its port. Points of interest include remains of the elliptical Roman
amphitheater(first century AD) and the Archaeological Museum.
21
Something special
Pontremoli
~ 8,500 inhabitants
Pontremoli is located in the northern part of Lunigiana and
Tuscany, near the source of the Magra river and the
mountains. It is dominated by the Castle of Piagnaro.
Door to Tuscany along the Francigena way, the village owns
its name to the wood of the poplar with which perhaps it had
been constructed. Pontremoli is today a precious coffer of
artistic and monumental memories.
To visit: the Castle, the churches of San Nicolò, San Geminiano, San Francesco, the tower of
Cacciaguerra (remind to Guelfs and Ghibellines disputes), the theatre of La Rosa, lthe fortress of Castelnuovo,
the complex of the convent of the Agostiniani. Pontremoli hosts also the Museum of Lunigiana Stele Statues,
and, the Italy's most important literary award : premio Bancarella
LUNIGIANA AND LA SPEZIA GASTRONOMY
Now very “up –to-date” due to its original products, the local gastronomy is characterized
by a 'poor cuisine', based on local resources and not codified in elaborate recipes. But
they include flavours and freshness, fish and seafood, natural vegetables and herbs and
the skilful use of olive oil. They are proof of a heritage and respect for such an important
ingredient.
Some examples:
• From the sea, rare and delicious mussels, mainly from La Spezia, cooked in different
ways, or the octopus (from every rock coast of the area), in particular boiled and served
with potatoes (“polpo alla ligure”)
• From the fields: the “mesciua”, a soup with chick peas, beans and spelt, cooked
separately and then mixed together with olive oil and pepper, and, like in Genoa, the
farinata
• Special from Lunigiana: the beans of Bigliolo, the “panigacci” of Podenzana, the
“testaroli”, the “raviolis” from lunigiana, the “pecorino” cheese, sweet and fresh honey .
Local tDOC wines: the “Colli di Luni “, with white and red ones, and the famous
“vermentino” (wine tasting in local cellars)
A special Chef in Magra Valley: Angelo Paracucchi and his “Locanda
dell’Angelo”, in Ameglia
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Something special
Nature reserve of Montemarcello-Magra
From La Spezia to Montemarcello: 20 km
The Montemarcello-Magra Nature Reserve is placed between
Liguria and Tuscany, and includes an area of 4,320.8 hectares,
rich in nature, historical and cultural values, crossing the
borders of 18 municipalities.
It includes 3 areas:
the River Magra valley
the slow and curvy track of the river creates small lakes and large meanders, with humid areas
unique in Liguria, very important for the nesting of migratory and local birds, and a large fish fauna
the River Vara valley
the valley is characterised by hills with secular woods of chestnut, historical villages with high
cultural interest, fortresses, like the Doria Malaspina Castle at Calice al Cornoviglio, and karst areas,
with caves as in Riccò del Golfo and Pignone.
The River Vara, that dominates and draws the valley, born in the Appennino mountains, flows for
58 km between rocks and small cultivated planes. It hosts a significant fish and amphibian fauna,
and allows many water sports, like kayaking, rafting, hydro speed
The Caprione promontory
It is the system of hills that separates the south-west waters of the La Spezia Gulf from the alluvial
plane of the Magra river, from the suggestive Punta Bianca (White Edge) , a thick layer of white
limestone. The west side, steeper and less green than the eastern one, shows tall, vertical walls on
the sea, with small beautiful beaches, like the one at Punta Corvo, and some inlets between the
marine villages of Tellaro and Lerici. Not to be missed are the villages of Ameglia and
Montemarcello
How to visit the park
Walking, along many and suggestive paths; kayaking on the River Vara; by boat, sailing back up
the River Magra while bird watching or tasting some typical local foods; on horseback, toward
the Alta Via of Liguria Mountains; biking, along the bicycle tracks on the river coasts.
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Something special
Parma: gastronomy and music itineraries
(at approx 120 km, 1,3 hrs by bus)
Parma (~ 180,000 inhabitants)
Parma is an elegant city where reigns a refined atmosphere that can only be
breathed in a 'petite capitale', with its centre rich of art, parks and treasures
from different ages . A vital town rich in history, art and culture, Parma has
been shaped along the centuries by great painters and architects the likes of
Antelami and Correggio.
Parma is also worldwide famous for its gastronomy, being the “capital” of the
food valley. Something to taste and buy? Tortellini, parmesan cheese,
prosciutto (ham) di Parma, culatello, potatio gnocchi, champignons of
Borgotaro, castagnaccio, torta fritta....
To visit: the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Regio Theatre, the National
Gallery, the Paganini Auditorium, and the modern architecture buildings.
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Something special
Gastronomy roads around Parma
Winding around the province, three different Roads of wines and tastes invite visitors to
experience real local food, reflecting the influence of history, culture and the craft of man.
Parmigiano reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham factories welcome people fan of
Italian food, for a very interesting and satisfying experience
The Road of Culatello crosses the vast plain along the river Po, area of production
of the sweet and sparkling Fortana wine and Spalla Cotta ham of San Secondo.
The Road of Culatello runs through the villages along the river Po, renowned for the production
of Culatello as well as many other typical gastronomic products such as Spalla cotta (shoulder
of ham) from San Secondo, the sweet wine Fortana, the Spongata of Busseto cake and last but
not least the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
While discovering this incredible variety of tastes, you can also enjoy a trip by boat on the river
Po or byke on the cycling routes linking the castles to the land of Giuseppe Verdi.
Worldwide famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and mouth-watering slices of
Prosciutto di Parma and Salame of Felino can be tasted along the Road of Ham
and wines running south, while sipping the Wines of the hills.
Running across the hills surrounding Parma, crossed by the rivers Parma and Baganza, this
itinerary offers the chance to taste different and famous typical products, such as Prosciutto di
Parma (Parma Ham), Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese, Colli di Parma Wine, the Black Truffle from
Fragno and the Salami from Felino. All matched with the traditional delicious gastronomy
Last but not least, the Road of Porcino mushrooms will bring visitors to discover
the mountains of Taro, Ceno and Baganza valleys, their traditions and stunning
views.
The road runs on the hills of the valleys crossed by the Taro, Baganza and Ceno rivers, offering
charming landscapes marked by a mix of nature, history, castles and ancient churches.
On these mountains the Porcino Mushroom from Borgotaro is the protagonist of an old
tradition, made of a rich gastronomy and village fairs.
25
Something special
Music itineraries within the Parma area
Teatro Regio (Parma)
The current Regio Theatre , which was named only after the Italian Unification
(before it was simply called Ducal Theatre), was built under Maria Luigia from 1821—
1829 to keep the heredity of the Ducal Theatre. It is internationally known for its
acoustics, as for the severity and competence of its public. It host the Verdi
Festival.
Auditorium Niccolò Paganini (Parma)
The new citizen Auditorium (architect: Renzo Piano) was built upon the remnants of
the walled structure of the Eridania Sugar Factory (Zuccherificio Eridania). It shows
an admirable work of connecting the past and future
Arturo Toscanini birthplace (Parma)
The birthplace of Arturo Toscanini (via Borgo Tanzi n. 13) houses a collection of
heirlooms, personal objects and photographs of the great orchestral director. The
house was purchased by his children and donated to the city of Parma.
Giuseppe Verdi birthplace (Roncole di Busseto)
This is found on the provincial road to Busseto at the crossroads in the centre of the
village. Giuseppe Verdi was born in the small house in the locality called Roncole, on
the night of 10 October 1813. Once this humble construction was used as a public
house; now a favourite destination for hundreds of visitors.
Villa Verdi (Roncole di Busseto)
The famous villa that Giuseppe Verdi purchased in 1848 personally attending to its
park’s development and the furnishings, is a symbol of the character and passions of
a man who always strove to define himself as a “farmer” of Roncole.
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Something special
Maranello: the world of Ferrari cars
(at approx. 190 km, approx. 2,2 hrs by bus)
Maranello
(~ 16,500 inhabitants)
Maranello represents the myth of the "Prancing Horse", but it's also
synonym of the delicious food from the Emilia region, of typical products
and of a hospitality in direct contact with nature.
This town embodies the myth of the "red cars": here, in 1943, the most
prestigious car industry in the world was founded, a symbol of high
technology and passion for the human craftsmanship, innovation and
know-how.
The public museum Galleria Ferrari, which displays sports and racing
cars and trophies, is also located here. The Ferrari 550 Maranello and
Ferrari 575 Maranello are named after the city.
Near Maranello is the town of Fiorano Modenese where the Fiorano Circuit
is located, a private track owned by Ferrari used for its car testing.
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References
.
La Spezia Cruise Facility srl
Vial San Bartolomeo 109
19126 La Spezia – Italy
Tel 00 39 0187 5512 10
Mob. 00 39 348 7677361 (Mr. Troiani) – 00 39 348 8805725 (Mr. Battolla)
Fax 00 39 0187 551302
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.speziacruisefacility.it
For further information: [email protected]
La Spezia Port “Video Clip” web link: http://www.ftptopcruises.it/spezia.mpg
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