Palazzo delle Poste, La Spezia

Attraction, Historic Building and Notable Building in La Spezia

Palazzo delle Poste
Palazzo delle Poste
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Formkurve92 (Diskussion)

Palazzo delle Poste is one of La Spezia's most distinctive civic buildings, rising over central Piazza Giuseppe Verdi with a bold, early-20th-century presence that feels both monumental and surprisingly elegant up close. Even if you're not mailing anything, it's worth pausing here to appreciate the geometric lines, the grand stairway approach, and the way the building anchors the city's main square.

Because it sits right in the heart of town, the Palazzo delle Poste is an easy add-on to a walking tour between the station area, the shopping streets, and the waterfront. The best views are from across Piazza Verdi (for the full facade) and from the steps and corners of the building (for details and angles that highlight its sculptural design).

History and Significance of the Palazzo delle Poste

Palazzo delle Poste was created as La Spezia expanded and modernized in the early 1900s, when the city needed a larger, purpose-built headquarters for postal and communications services. The result is a landmark that reflects the era's confidence in public infrastructure, design, and technology.

Architecturally, it’s closely associated with Angiolo Mazzoni, whose work helped define a distinctly Italian take on modernism. The building is often discussed for its Futurist spirit: strong volumes, a sense of motion, and an emphasis on function expressed through form.

Beyond the exterior, the Palazzo delle Poste is also tied to La Spezia's cultural story through its art and interior design choices, which were conceived to make a public building feel like a total work of design. Even a quick look inside (when accessible) can add depth to your understanding of how ambitious civic architecture was during this period.

Things to See and Do in the Palazzo delle Poste

Start with the facade and the overall composition from Piazza Verdi: the building’s massing, the rhythm of openings, and the way the stairways and corners create a dynamic silhouette. If you enjoy architecture photography, this is a great spot to play with symmetry, leading lines, and wide-angle shots.

Move closer to appreciate the materials and craftsmanship. The contrast between the more severe exterior and the richer interior feel (when you can enter) is part of the appeal, and it’s a good reminder that many Italian “everyday” buildings were designed with real artistic intent.

Finally, treat the Palazzo delle Poste as a smart waypoint in a city walk. Pair it with a loop that includes the central streets for shopping and cafes, then continue toward the harbor for sea views—this building is a natural “marker” that helps you orient yourself in La Spezia.

How to Get to the Palazzo delle Poste

The nearest major airports are Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, with Milan airports also possible for longer itineraries. 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 options—especially if you're coming from Pisa, Genoa, or other Ligurian/Tuscan cities. 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 driving, aim for central La Spezia parking and then walk to Piazza Verdi, since the core is easier on foot and traffic restrictions can apply in parts of town. 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 Palazzo delle Poste

  • Official website: https://www.poste.it/
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 08:20–19:05. Saturday: 08:20–12:35. Sunday: Closed.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for softer light across Piazza Verdi and fewer crowds around the steps; late afternoon can be great for warmer tones on the facade.
  • How long to spend: Plan 10–20 minutes for photos and a quick look around the square; add time if you’re combining it with a longer self-guided architecture walk.
  • Accessibility: The area around Piazza Verdi is generally flat and walkable, but the building’s main approach includes stairs; step-free access may depend on which entrances are open.
  • Facilities: As an active postal building, facilities are oriented to customers (service counters and ATMs), while nearby Piazza Verdi and surrounding streets offer plenty of cafes and conveniences.

Where to Stay Close to the Palazzo delle Poste

Base yourself in central La Spezia near Piazza Verdi and the station-to-waterfront corridor for the easiest walks, quick transit connections, and the best choice of restaurants.

CDH Hotel La Spezia A reliable central option that keeps you close to Piazza Verdi and the main shopping streets, making early starts and evening strolls simple.

The Poet Hotel A stylish, modern stay near the station area—great if you’re planning day trips by train and want a comfortable base with a boutique feel.

Hotel Firenze e Continentale A classic choice for convenience: ideal for travelers prioritizing quick rail access while still being within an easy walk of Piazza Verdi.

Albergo delle Spezie A smaller, characterful hotel that suits travelers who like a more intimate, local atmosphere in the city center.

NH La Spezia A practical pick near the waterfront side of town, handy if you're mixing city sights with harbor walks and boat connections.

Is the Palazzo delle Poste Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you enjoy architecture, urban photography, or the “hidden in plain sight” side of Italian cities. It's central, visually striking, and easy to appreciate in a short stop, which makes it a high-reward addition to a La Spezia walking route.

Honest Pivot: If you're only interested in major museums or you're rushing through La Spezia purely as a Cinque Terre transit base, you can skip a dedicated stop and simply note it as you pass through Piazza Verdi.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (14)

Reviewers describe the Palazzo delle Poste in La Spezia as an imposing 1930s rationalist building in central Piazza Verdi, noted for its symmetry, stonework, and civic, monumental feel. A recurring highlight is the interior, especially the futurist mosaics (including those by Prampolini) and the clock-tower area accessible from the atrium. Overall impressions are very positive for architecture and artistic details, with few negatives mentioned beyond one more moderate rating and limited practical commentary.

Ernesto Müller-Haffner
7 months ago
"Standing in front of the Palazzo delle Poste in La Spezia, you immediately realize: someone wanted to demonstrate that even a mailbox can have poise.The 1930s building exudes a seriousness as if it still receives telegrams daily. Columns, symmetry, lots of stone – a post office with conviction. Inside, every word resonates with a touch more meaning; outside, even buying stamps feels like a civic act. Walking by, you think: communication was clearly once a very official matter. If you liked this review, please give it a thumbs up!..."
Simone Bartolomei
a year ago
"Il Palazzo delle Poste della Spezia è nella centrale piazza Verdi. Progettato nella sua architettura e negli arredi da Angiolo Mazzoni, l'edificio fuinaugurato nel novembre 1933. Dall'atrio dell'edificio si accede alla sala interna della Torre orologio per la visita al Mosaico futurista...."
Gianluca Giuffrida
2 years ago
"Very beautiful to visit especially for the mosaics inside by Prampolini!"

For Different Travelers

Palazzo delle Poste works best as a quick, flexible stop: you can make it a 5-minute photo break or a longer architecture-focused pause depending on your pace and interests.

Families with Kids

Kids may enjoy the sense of scale and the “big city building” feel, especially if you turn it into a mini scavenger hunt for shapes, arches, and symmetry. The open space of Piazza Verdi also makes it easier to manage strollers and short attention spans.

To keep it fun, pair the stop with a treat nearby and limit the time to a quick look and a few photos. It’s best as part of a broader walk rather than a standalone destination for children.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is a great “in-between” stop: a stylish backdrop for photos and a pleasant pause before heading toward the waterfront for sunset. The building's strong lines and the square's city energy can add variety to a day otherwise focused on coastal scenery.

Make it romantic by timing your visit for late afternoon light, then continue to a wine bar or seafood dinner nearby. It's a low-effort stop that still feels distinctly La Spezia.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will appreciate that this is a free, central sight that doesn’t require tickets or a big time commitment. It’s also a helpful navigation point when you’re walking between the station, the center, and the harbor.

If you’re building a low-cost itinerary, combine it with self-guided architecture spotting around Piazza Verdi and nearby streets. You’ll get a lot of atmosphere without spending anything.

History Buffs

History buffs will enjoy the building as a snapshot of interwar Italy and the era’s belief in modern public services and design. It’s also a strong example of how architectural movements filtered into everyday civic life.

To deepen the visit, look for design details that reflect the period’s aesthetics and consider how the building fits into La Spezia’s wider development as a strategic port city. Even a short stop can add context to the city’s 20th-century story.

FAQs for Visiting Palazzo delle Poste

Getting There

Yes, it’s walkable from the main station and sits in a very central part of town. The route is straightforward through the city center.
Yes, it’s an easy walk inland from the waterfront. It also works well as a midpoint between the harbor and the shopping streets.
Yes, it faces Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, one of La Spezia’s main squares. Once you’re on the square, the building is hard to miss.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is needed to view the exterior from Piazza Verdi. Any interior access depends on what areas are open to the public at the time.
It’s primarily a working postal building rather than a dedicated museum. Treat it as an architectural stop first, with any interior viewing as a bonus.
Not routinely as a standard attraction, but some city walking tours may include it as an exterior highlight. If you want context, choose an architecture-leaning tour.

Visiting Experience

Its architecture and its role as a landmark on Piazza Verdi. It’s a quick stop that adds character to a city walk.
Yes, because it’s central and doesn’t require a detour. It fits neatly between other sights and transit points.
Start with the overall facade from across the square, then move closer for details and angles from the steps and corners. The building rewards both wide shots and close-ups.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a stop on a loop: station area, Piazza Verdi, central streets, then continue toward the waterfront. It’s a natural waypoint.
Yes, especially if you have time before a train or after returning from the villages. It’s close enough to the main routes to be convenient.
Combine it with a stroll to the harbor and a cafe break in the center. It’s best experienced as part of a walk rather than a single-purpose trip.

Photography

Across Piazza Verdi for the full facade and from the steps for strong leading lines. Corner angles can also emphasize the building’s geometry.
Morning and late afternoon are usually the most flattering times for city architecture. Midday can be harsher but works for crisp, graphic shots.
If you enter as a customer, be mindful that it’s an active public-service space. Avoid photographing people or service areas where it could be disruptive.

Accessibility & Facilities

Piazza Verdi is generally accessible and easy to navigate. The main stair approach can be a barrier, so step-free entry depends on which doors are available.
As a working postal building, public restrooms are not guaranteed for visitors. Plan to use nearby cafes or public facilities in the center.
Yes, the square and nearby streets typically offer benches and plenty of cafe seating. It’s easy to take a short break in the area.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the city center around Piazza Verdi has many options within a few minutes’ walk. It’s a convenient place to pause for coffee.
Yes, you’ll find casual spots and sit-down restaurants nearby. It’s a practical lunch stop between sightseeing and transit.
Yes, the station area and central streets offer quick bites. Palazzo delle Poste is close enough to make this an easy combo.

Safety & Timing

The area is central and typically busy, but standard city awareness applies. Stick to well-lit routes if you’re walking late.
Piazza Verdi can be lively, especially during commuting hours. For quieter photos, aim for earlier mornings.
If you want to go inside for services, yes—arrive during posted opening times. For exterior viewing and photos, you can visit any time.

Nearby Attractions to the Palazzo delle Poste

The Palazzo delle Poste appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Spezia!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 08:20-19:05.

Saturday: 08:20-12:35.

Sunday: Closed.

Price:

Free.

Address: Palazzo delle Poste, Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, La Spezia, SP, Italy
La Spezia: 1 km
Official Website

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