The leudo of yesteryear and its routes: La Zigoela in La Spezia

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Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the leudo routes in La Spezia on board La Zigoela, an enchanting vessel that encapsulates the essence of the ancient maritime routes. Originally used to transport precious goods between Liguria, Tuscany, Sardinia and Corsica, the leudo today represents a fascinating return to the past, offering authentic and unforgettable experiences. Among the few still sailing in the Mediterranean, La Zigoela stands out as a true maritime gem, also chosen as a location for major film productions such as Disney's The Lions of Sicily.


Under the expert guidance of its owner, Roberto Bertonati, and his crew, La Zigoela will take you through the fascinating routes of the Golfo dei Poeti, rich in history and charm, giving you an authentic and engaging experience. Discover the wonders of the sea and book your guided tour or an unforgettable dinner on board now.

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The History of the Zigoela

The remaining leudi are the end result of the evolution of an ancient type of vessel closely linked to the maritime culture of the Ligurians. The origin of the leudi is rooted in the past, originating as sailing vessels mainly used to transport goods for trade in the Mediterranean and occasionally for fishing.


A distinguishing feature of the leudo was its ability to operate both on the open sea and on beaches, making it self-sufficient in the hauling process. This feature was essential, since until the 19th century navigation in the Mediterranean was limited by a few well-equipped harbours, and small maritime communities could not afford the construction of expensive jetties and breakwaters.

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    The leudo took the form of a wooden structure with wedge-shaped ends, equipped with a lateen sail hoisted on a forward-raked mast. A jib, called a Polaccone, was hoisted on a pole on the starboard side of the mainsail and could be retracted on deck. Sizes varied according to model and intended use, with main distinctions between traffic and fishing leudi.



    Today, only a small fleet of leudi bears witness to Liguria's once rich maritime heritage.

The routes

The trade routes of the leudi were mainly concentrated on the Tyrrhenian coasts, the large islands, our Ligurian coasts and sometimes also extended to Greece and Spain. 


The crews preferred to sail close to the coast, although they occasionally faced stretches of open sea. The captains of these vessels, although small in size, played the dual role of merchants and shipowners, often running family businesses.

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    Usually, the crew consisted of six members and the leudo did not transport goods for third parties. Instead, it left with a cargo of its own goods, which were then traded directly at the landing point.

  • Leudo in water

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