Description
The former Albergo Croce di Malta is an elegant 19th-century palazzo in the center of La Spezia, between Via Chiodo and Via Don Minzoni: it was built as a luxury hotel, back when La Spezia was starting to draw travelers and even the royal family.
It was commissioned by the Marquis Giovanni Angelo Da Passano and designed by Felice Orsolini, and it opened in 1849. The facade, which once faced the sea, has pilasters, windows topped by pediments and a cornice along the top. On either side stood two twin buildings: a bathing establishment and the stables.
From 1853, Queen Maria Adelaide stayed here with her children, as did other members of the House of Savoy. In 1873 the Croce di Malta name moved to a larger building on Viale Mazzini, but guests kept sleeping here for decades, at the Albergo d'Italia. Today the restored palazzo belongs to a banking foundation and hosts cultural events.
It was commissioned by the Marquis Giovanni Angelo Da Passano and designed by Felice Orsolini, and it opened in 1849. The facade, which once faced the sea, has pilasters, windows topped by pediments and a cornice along the top. On either side stood two twin buildings: a bathing establishment and the stables.
From 1853, Queen Maria Adelaide stayed here with her children, as did other members of the House of Savoy. In 1873 the Croce di Malta name moved to a larger building on Viale Mazzini, but guests kept sleeping here for decades, at the Albergo d'Italia. Today the restored palazzo belongs to a banking foundation and hosts cultural events.