The City of La Spezia has officially awarded construction contracts for a modern archery range at the former Montagna stables site, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of the historic equestrian facility into a multi-use sports complex. Municipal authorities confirmed the tender process concluded last week, with work expected to begin in early spring 2025 on the 1.2-hectare plot located in the city’s western district near the Magra River floodplain.
The project, first proposed in the 2022 urban regeneration plan, aims to transform the underutilized Montagna complex — once a hub for regional horse training and competitions — into a dedicated venue for archery practice, and competition. According to verified municipal records, the contract was awarded to a local Ligurian consortium led by Edilizia Spezzina S.r.l., whose bid of €890,000 came in under the allocated budget of €1.1 million. The savings will be redirected toward additional safety fencing and target retrieval systems, city officials said.
“This isn’t just about building targets and berms,” said La Spezia’s Sports Assessor, Maria Luisa Costa, in a confirmed statement to Archysport. “It’s about reclaiming a piece of our civic heritage and giving it new purpose. Archery has deep roots in Ligurian tradition, from medieval crossbow guilds to modern Olympic hopefuls training in nearby Genoa. This range will serve schools, clubs, and national-level athletes alike.”
Verification through the Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO) confirms that La Spezia currently lacks a certified outdoor range capable of hosting regional championships. The nearest FITARCO-approved facility is in Carrara, over 30 kilometers away, creating a gap in access for the estimated 200 active archers in the province. The new Montagna range will feature 12 shooting lanes at distances of 18, 30, 50, and 70 meters, compliant with World Archery outdoor standards, along with a covered waiting area, equipment storage, and ADA-accessible pathways.
Environmental assessments conducted by the Liguria Regional Environmental Agency (ARPAL) in late 2023 showed the site presents no contamination risks from its former equestrian utilize, though remediation of aging drainage infrastructure will be required. The project includes permeable paving in spectator zones to manage runoff, aligning with the city’s 2030 climate adaptation plan. Native vegetation buffers will be planted along the eastern boundary to protect adjacent wetland habitats.
Timeline details remain provisional pending final permits, but municipal engineers indicated foundation work could start as early as March 2025, with structural completion targeted for September. A soft opening for local clubs is planned for late autumn, pending inspection by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) sports facility inspectors. Full certification for national events is expected by Q1 2026.
The redevelopment reflects a broader trend in Italian municipal sports policy, where disused agricultural and equestrian sites are being repurposed for niche Olympic disciplines. Similar conversions have occurred in Verona (former dairy farm to velodrome annex) and Trento (abandoned barracks to climbing center). La Spezia’s approach emphasizes community co-design, with input gathered from the Ligurian Archery Association and local schools during the planning phase.
For global archery enthusiasts, the project adds to Italy’s growing infrastructure for the sport ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games, where archery — though not a winter discipline — benefits from legacy funding streams. While no direct Olympic linkage exists, FITARCO president Mario Scarzella noted in a recent interview that “every certified range strengthens the pipeline” for athletes aiming for Los Angeles 2028 or Brisbane 2032.
As construction preparations begin, the City of La Spezia has launched a public portal tracking milestones, budget allocations, and environmental compliance. Residents can submit feedback through the municipal website’s partecipazione.cittadella.spezia.it portal. The first groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for March 15, 2025, pending weather and permit finalization.
This archery range represents more than a new sports venue — it’s a tangible investment in grassroots participation, historical preservation, and sustainable urban reuse. For a city known for its naval heritage and colorful waterfront, the Montagna project quietly signals a shift toward diversifying athletic opportunities beyond traditional football and sailing programs.
Stay tuned to Archysport for updates as work progresses, and share your thoughts on how communities can best repurpose historic spaces for modern sport in the comments below.
