Viareggio

The town – home of Lorenzo Viani, Giacomo Puccini and Mario Tobino – is surrounded by the hillside, the Apuan Alps and the lake of Massaciuccoli: it provides a unique ensemble featuring pinewoods, a colorful harbour, shipyards and a promenade. One thousand years ago the territory was occupied by the sea and the inland was constituted by marshes. The town's symbol is the “Torre Matilde”, heart of its history. It was built by the Senate of Lucca in 1550.  The birth of the first bathing establishment dates back to 1823.  Thanks to Maria Borbone has been built the avenue “Viale dei Tigli”, it was necessary to reach the city centre from her villa situated in the east pinewood.  In fact, the touristic activity began in Viareggio right in this period. Many men of culture have been in Viareggio: the poet Percy B.Shelley, Lord Byron, Manzoni, Puccini and D'Annunzio.

The 3 Km Promenade, where the parade takes place, is one of the focal point of the city, characterized by shops, cafes, refreshment points and Liberty style buildings.

Viareggio is now a tourist seaside resort with ancient tradition beaches and hotels, for this reason it is called “The Pearl of Tyrrhenian”.