The hilltop castle is La Spezia's most prominent landmark. Originally built as a watchtower, it was expanded in the thirteenth century, largely destroyed, then rebuilt with new fortifications in the fifteenth century. Today it houses the Ubaldo Formentini Civic Archaeological Museum, whose collection spans from prehistoric menhirs carved in human form to Roman artifacts from the nearby city of Luni. The views over the city and gulf from the castle walls are excellent.
The menhirs are the real draw for many visitors: dozens of carved standing stones from the Lunigiana region, some over five thousand years old, arranged in the castle rooms where the juxtaposition of medieval vaulting and prehistoric sculpture creates a striking effect.