Isola: Historic Settlement Core and Trails

Isola combines historic settlement structures with a landscape on Monte Albano. The village forms the left bank of the Dorgia and is one of La Spezia’s historic hilltop settlement cores. This makes it a destination whose character can be explored through local history, spatial connections and trails. Those travelling independently through Italy and looking for more than individual sights will find several specific themes here to support interest-based planning.

Historic Places Around Isola

Villa La Contessa is a historic residence dating from the 17th century. It is located in the considerably older hamlet of “Toracca”. The residence is at Via del Forno, Località Isola 42, La Spezia (SP). Villa La Contessa and Toracca thus provide a direct link to the area’s older local history. At the same time, Isola itself is one of La Spezia’s historic hilltop settlement cores, so the focus is not limited to a single building but also encompasses the settlement area.

Ridge Settlement and Spatial Connections

Isola’s historic ridge settlement core is connected by stairs to the landscape ridge, the main ridge. Within the municipal area, there are also connections to the historic settlement core of Felettino and to the settlement of Vailunga. For orientation when planning your trip, this structure provides an important reference point if you would like to consider local history and the landscape together.

Hiking Trails with Different Connections

The trails around Isola are also characterised by specific connections. The Anello della Montagna includes a staircase that, at an elevation of 82 metres above sea level, leads to the junction with Trail 226. A circular hiking trail through Sarbia, Montalbano and Isola uses Trails 224 and 225 in the Parco delle Mura, the Alta Via del Golfo, and Trails 228 and 226. Another hiking itinerary through Isola passes the former Oratory of San Michele. Those interested in the landscape, historic trail routes and smaller religious buildings will find a varied basis for planning their own trip in these themes.

Church and Destinations in the Surrounding Area

Isola’s present-day parish church was originally a small subsidiary chapel that was dependent on the Pieve di San Venerio in 1470. This provides a specific link to church history dating back to the 15th century. The Museo Nazionale dei Trasporti and Castello di San Giorgio are also located in the vicinity of Isola. Together with Villa La Contessa, Toracca and the former Oratory of San Michele, they form a cultural focus that can be easily combined with exploring the landscape around Monte Albano. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can therefore assess Isola according to your personal interests in history, settlement areas and hiking trails.

Discover More Places

For further orientation, you can also explore Castello, Levanto, Follo, Colombiera-Molicciara, Tirolo, Zignago and San Bernardino.

For the overarching travel overview: La Spezia.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Isola La Maddalena.