The area of La Spezia has been settled since pre-historic times. However, an extraordinary development of La Spezia occured starting from the second half of the nineteenth century. Thanks for the large South-looking bay, the town became one of the main military and commercial ports of the country. La Spezia is also famous for its many museums, fine churches and art-nouveau-style villas. Lively and interesting town by its own, La Spezia is also a great starting point for exploraion of Cinque Terre villages that reside on Ligurian Coast a short drive to the West.