Discover La Foce

La Foce can be explored through three specific themes: historic defensive structures, routes at the pass, and a distinctive natural landmark. Tagliata della Foce and Forte Macè are linked to the history of protecting the La Spezia Arsenal. The route descriptions indicate different directions and landmarks; one route also passes through mixed woodland to a scenic promontory near Carpena. A centuries-old holm oak adds a specific natural landmark. This can help you decide whether, during your stay, you would most like to focus on architectural history, route details, or the landscape.

Historic defensive structures

Tagliata della Foce is located at the La Foce pass on the Via Aurelia, at an elevation of 285 m. It is part of a defensive system built in the late 19th century to protect the La Spezia Arsenal. The pass, Via Aurelia, and elevation identify its location; its place within the system explains its historical function. Forte Macè is another historic structure in La Foce. It was built in 1889 to protect the La Spezia Arsenal from attacks from land. Both structures are associated with the protection of the same arsenal, but the dates refer to different things: the late 19th century is when the system was built, while 1889 is the year Forte Macè was constructed.

Routes at the pass and their directions

At the La Foce pass, the Chiappa–Marinasco–Foce circular route leaves the Alta Via del Golfo and follows the Via Genova towards La Spezia. After Marinasco, the same circular route follows the Alta Via del Golfo towards Portovenere. Different directions are therefore given for different sections: at the pass, along the Via Genova; after Marinasco, along the Alta Via del Golfo. A stage of the Alta Via del Golfo starts in La Foce at the monument to Giuseppe Mazzini. The monument is a specific starting point; the circular route is identified by its place names and directions. When comparing the routes, note whether the description is for a stage with a named starting point or for the circular route.

Mixed woodland and a viewpoint near Carpena

The La Foce–Riomaggiore route passes through mixed woodland and then reaches the scenic promontory with the church and cemetery of Carpena. The woodland section is followed by a clearly identified landscape destination; the church and cemetery provide additional specific landmarks on the promontory. For comparing routes, this description combines vegetation with a viewpoint. As trail conditions can change, check the current route conditions before setting out.

A centuries-old holm oak

A centuries-old holm oak (Quercus ilex) stands near Ristorante La Gira in La Foce and is listed in the Liguria Region’s register of monumental trees. The common name holm oak and the scientific name Quercus ilex refer to the same tree species; the information about its age and its inclusion in the register provide different details about it. The listing classifies the tree as a monumental specimen and makes it a distinctive natural landmark alongside the historic structures and routes.

Discover more destinations: Rio, Bovecchio, Zignago, Varese Ligure, Isola, Levanto, Castello, Lavaggiorosso

For the broader travel overview: La Spezia.