Monumento a Garibaldi, La Spezia

Memorial, Monument and Statue in La Spezia

Monumento a Garibaldi
Monumento a Garibaldi
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Valentino Pescio

Monumento a Garibaldi is a prominent equestrian monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, set in La Spezia's central public gardens near the waterfront and the city's everyday strolling routes. It's the kind of landmark you'll likely pass naturally while exploring the center, and it works well as a short, meaningful stop between the marina, shopping streets, and nearby museums.

Because it sits in an open, walkable area, the monument is easy to include on a self-guided walking tour: pair it with a loop through the public gardens, a wander toward the harbor, and a detour into the historic center for cafés and people-watching. For the best views, circle the statue to appreciate the sculptural details and look for angles that frame it with greenery and palm-lined paths.

History and Significance of the Monumento a Garibaldi

Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of the defining figures of Italy’s unification, and monuments to him appear across the country. La Spezia’s tribute stands out as a proud civic symbol, placed in a central green space where locals and visitors naturally gather.

Beyond the subject, the monument’s impact comes from its dynamic equestrian composition. It’s designed to be viewed from below and from multiple sides, so as you move around it you’ll notice how the pose, lines, and silhouette change against the sky and the garden backdrop.

Today, it functions as both a historical marker and a practical meeting point in the city: a recognizable landmark that anchors a pleasant stretch of La Spezia’s center and connects easily to waterfront walks.

Things to See and Do in the Monumento a Garibaldi

Start by taking a slow lap around the statue to catch the best perspective: the monument reads differently from each side, and the surrounding paths make it easy to view without crowds pressing in. If you enjoy photography, try a low angle that emphasizes the monument’s height, then step back for a wider shot that includes the gardens.

Use the stop as a reset point on a longer day in La Spezia. The public gardens are ideal for a short break, and the monument helps you orient yourself before continuing toward the harbor, shopping streets, or onward connections to Cinque Terre.

If you're doing a walking tour, this is a natural “context stop” to talk about the Risorgimento era and how Italian cities commemorate national figures in everyday public spaces. Even without a guide, it's a quick way to add a layer of history to an otherwise scenic city stroll.

How to Get to the Monumento a Garibaldi

The nearest major airports are Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, with additional options in Florence depending on your route. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to La Spezia on Booking.com.

La Spezia is well connected by rail, and arriving by train is one of the easiest ways to reach the city center before continuing on foot or by local bus. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for central parking areas outside the tightest streets and finish the last stretch on foot through the gardens and waterfront. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Monumento a Garibaldi

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for softer light and a calmer stroll through the gardens, or near sunset for warmer tones and more atmosphere.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes is enough for a full look and a few photos, but you can easily linger longer if you’re enjoying the gardens.
  • Accessibility: The surrounding area is generally flat and walkable, with paved paths that make it manageable for strollers and many mobility needs.
  • Facilities: You'll find benches and open space nearby, plus cafés and services within a short walk in central La Spezia.

Where to Stay Close to the Monumento a Garibaldi

Base yourself in central La Spezia near the waterfront and the main pedestrian streets for the easiest, most walkable stay.

CDH Hotel La Spezia A reliable central option that’s convenient for walking to the gardens, the harbor, and the shopping streets, making it great for a short city break.

The Poet Hotel Chosen for its easy access to the train station and the center, which is ideal if you're using La Spezia as a base for day trips.

Hotel Firenze e Continentale A classic, practical pick near transport links, helpful for early trains and a smooth start to Cinque Terre itineraries.

NH La Spezia A comfortable full-service stay close to the port area, good if you want quick access to boats and waterfront walks.

Albergo delle Spezie A smaller, characterful choice in the center that suits travelers who prefer a more intimate feel while staying close to the main sights.

Is the Monumento a Garibaldi Worth Visiting?

Yes, it's worth a stop, especially because it costs nothing, takes little time, and fits naturally into a walk through central La Spezia. It adds a clear sense of place and history to the city's waterfront-and-gardens area, and it's a pleasant “anchor point” for orienting yourself while exploring.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and your priority is maximizing Cinque Terre villages or hiking, you can skip a dedicated visit and simply pass by it on the way to the harbor or train connections. It’s most rewarding for travelers who enjoy public art, city strolls, and small historical touchpoints rather than destination-style attractions.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (197)

Reviewers describe the Garibaldi monument as an impressive, photogenic equestrian statue in La Spezia’s central public gardens, often noted as a convenient meeting point and a worthwhile historical landmark. Several mention the pleasant, well-kept park setting and say the monument looks especially appealing when illuminated at night. On the downside, a few note it may not feel like a major “wow” attraction, and the nearby busy road can be present, though trees help reduce the noise.

E Scott Parks
9 months ago
"The monument is a commanding presence in the city center, capturing the determined spirit of one of Italy's great unifiers. Set atop a rearing horse,Garibaldi looks out with purpose-more dynamic than most statues of its kind. Surrounded by gardens and civic buildings, it's both a historical landmark and a central meeting point. Worth a stop for those interested in Italy's past or simply looking to appreciate bold public art...."
Nat Blanche
8 months ago
"Right in the heart of La Spezia’s public gardens, this statue makes a solid meeting point (and a subtle history lesson). Not a wow-moment, butreliable and photogenic in that old-European-park kind of way...."
Erik Hagen Nymoen
2 years ago
"The Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi in La Spezia, Italy, is a beautiful landmark in the middle of the park. Its illuminated charm during the night iscaptivating. A must-see monument that adds to the allure of La Spezia's landscape...."

For Different Travelers

Monumento a Garibaldi works best as a flexible, low-effort stop: you can make it a quick photo break or a short pause in a longer city walk. Because it's outdoors and central, it adapts well to different paces and priorities.

Families with Kids

For families, the main advantage is simplicity: it’s outdoors, easy to reach, and doesn’t require timed entry or long attention spans. Kids can move around freely while adults take a moment to look at the statue and explain who Garibaldi was.

Pair it with a short garden stroll and a treat stop afterward in the center. It’s a good “reset” point between more structured activities.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate this as a scenic pause on a waterfront-and-old-town wander, especially in softer morning or evening light. It’s not a big-ticket attraction, but it adds a classic Italian city-stroll vibe to your day.

Use it as a meeting point before heading to aperitivo nearby. A slow loop through the gardens can feel surprisingly romantic when the city is quieter.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers should absolutely include it because it’s free, central, and pairs well with other no-cost experiences like walking the harbor and exploring the public gardens. It’s also a useful landmark for navigating without relying on taxis.

If you're keeping costs down, build a self-guided walking route that links the monument with viewpoints, churches, and public spaces. You'll get a fuller sense of La Spezia without spending much.

History Buffs

History buffs will enjoy the monument as a window into how Italian cities commemorate the Risorgimento and national identity in everyday public spaces. The equestrian format and civic placement are part of the story, not just the figure depicted.

To deepen the visit, read a short primer on Garibaldi before you arrive and then look for how the city's layout and public spaces frame the monument. It's a small stop, but it can add meaningful context to your Liguria trip.

FAQs for Visiting Monumento a Garibaldi

Getting There

Yes, it’s in a central, walkable area and works well as part of a city stroll. If you’re staying downtown, you can usually reach it without needing transport.
Yes, you can walk from the station through the center, or take a short local ride and finish on foot. It’s a convenient stop before or after train connections.
Yes, it’s near the city’s waterfront zone and public gardens. It pairs naturally with harbor walks.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s an outdoor monument in a public area. You can visit freely without booking.
Some city walking tours may pass by it as part of a broader La Spezia overview. If you’re self-guiding, it’s easy to add as a short context stop.
No, the monument itself is viewed from the surrounding paths. Any costs would only come from nearby attractions you choose to add.

Visiting Experience

It’s best as a quick stop that enriches a walk through the center. Most travelers spend a short time and then continue exploring.
Walk around it and view it from multiple angles, then step back for a wider look with the gardens. The overall composition is part of the appeal.
It can get busier at peak strolling hours, but it rarely feels “packed” like an indoor attraction. Visiting earlier or later tends to be calmer.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a midpoint between the waterfront and the historic center, then continue to cafés and viewpoints. It’s a natural connector stop rather than a destination.
Yes, because it’s central and doesn’t require planning. It’s an easy way to add a memorable landmark to an otherwise logistical day.
Yes, it works well before an early train or after you return in the evening. Think of it as a low-effort bonus rather than a separate excursion.

Photography

Morning and late afternoon tend to give the most flattering light. You’ll also find it easier to frame shots without many people.
Try a low angle to emphasize the monument’s height, then a wider shot that includes the garden paths. Circling the statue helps you find your best composition.
Often yes in central public areas, but lighting levels vary. If you shoot after dark, keep your gear secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Accessibility & Facilities

The surrounding paths are generally paved and relatively flat, making it manageable for many visitors. Conditions can vary by route, so choose the smoothest approach through the gardens.
Yes, public gardens typically have benches and resting spots close by. It’s a comfortable place to pause during a longer walk.
Not usually at the monument itself, but facilities can be found in nearby cafés or public venues in the center. Plan a quick stop before or after.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, central La Spezia has plenty of cafés within a short walk. It’s easy to pair the visit with a coffee or gelato break.
Yes, it’s a natural meeting point and a pleasant pre-meal stroll. You can head into the center right afterward.
You can often sit in the gardens with a snack, keeping the area tidy and respecting local rules. It’s best for a light break rather than a full picnic setup.

Safety & Timing

Central areas are generally fine, but use normal city precautions. Stick to well-lit routes and keep valuables secure.
No, it’s an outdoor monument, so it’s flexible. The main timing factor is light and how busy the center feels.
That’s enough for a quick look and a couple of photos. Treat it as a short landmark stop and continue your route.

Nearby Attractions to the Monumento a Garibaldi

  • Giardini Pubblici (Public Gardens): A relaxing green space for a stroll, benches, and an easy break in the center.
  • Porto Mirabello / waterfront area: A scenic harbor-side walk with boats, views, and a breezy coastal feel.
  • Via del Prione: La Spezia's main pedestrian shopping street, great for browsing and quick café stops.
  • Museo Tecnico Navale: A compact naval museum that adds context to La Spezia's maritime identity.
  • Castello San Giorgio: A hilltop castle and museum area where you can combine history with city-and-gulf views.

The Monumento a Garibaldi appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Spezia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi, La Spezia, Italy
La Spezia: 0 km

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