Viareggio

Viareggio is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in Tuscany.

The word “Viareggio” originates from the name of the regent road, which crossed the coastal area at the place where the city appeared. It is likely that the land was populated as early as in the XII century, and in the XVIII century the city acquired the fame of one of the best Italian resorts.

Viareggio is located right on the shore of the Ligurian Sea, in the area known as “Riviera di Versilia”.

Recreation infrastructure is really great here. Cafes, bars, restaurants, boutiques, salons, hotels, villas, etc. - the list of tourist facilities is almost endless.

Viareggio not only gives you an opportunity to indulge yourself on a beach, but also provides you with such options as sailing and wind surfing. Tennis courts and golf pitches for 18 holes are available. Those who wish can enjoy walking or riding a bike along a fascinating road to the neighbor town of Marina di Pietrasanta. The road crosses a stone pine forest.

A couple of kilometers long promenade is the favorite meeting place for Viareggio guests. There are cafes, restaurants, boutiques open till late night here. Buildings, which rise above the promenade, were mostly created in the styles of art-deco and modern. They face beaches stretching right on the other side of the street. Private yachts are constructed in huge docks located close to a modern haven.

The famous Italian composer of the XIX century, Giacomo Puccini, liked spending summer in Viareggio. His former villa not far from Viareggio houses the Museum of Puccini, at the town of Torre del Lago, where he lived most of the time. The International Puccini Opera Festival is held here annually. If you are in Torre del Lago, don't forget to visit the Palace of Paolina, which houses the exhibition devoted to modern art and ancient musical instruments. The Museum of Modern Art (Galleria di arte moderna e contemporanea) is located in Viareggio.

Viareggio is popular with celebrities nowadays. Actually, once a year you can see them in a rather unusual way; they are cartooned. That's the time when the famous carnival is held and huge dolls-caricatures are created. While the carnival, these figures are carried on spacious decks along the coastal boulevard for everyone to observe. The atmosphere of jokes and satire is felt both at daytime and at night for a couple weeks before the Lent.