Grasp the significance of La Spezia’s long maritime history at a naval museum and then mingle with the locals while meandering through a bustling marketplace. The town has been a naval headquarters since the mid 19th century, when the military fleet was transferred there. The Technical Naval Museum will reveal details as you will see artifacts from before the unification of Italy, World War II uniforms and torpedoes and radio equipment that famed inventor and electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi used. Continuing on, you will walk to Piazza Cavour, which the locals call Market Square, as it is a shopping hub. While meandering through the stalls in the company of La Spezia’s residents, you will find baked goods, fresh seafood and all sorts of locally grown organic produce. You will also have the opportunity to sample a chickpea pancake and glass of Ligurian wine. Later, you will see the Saint Mary Assumption Church, which holds a revered 14th-century crucifix.