Viareggio is the main centre of the northern Tuscan Riviera overlooking the
Ligurian Sea known as
Versilia and the second largest city within the Province of Lucca. Its wide coastline of
white and fine sand extends for over 10 kilometres, 6 of which are provided with modern and well-equipped bathing establishments. The remaining public beach is part of the
Regional Natural Park Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli, a protected woodland which stretches from the coast up to Lake Massaciuccoli cherishing the house and tomb of Giacomo Puccini and the open-air theatre where the famous Festival Pucciniano takes place every year.
The elegant Promenade, a large avenue which connects the pier with the city centre, hosts the most beautiful
Art-Nouveau historic buildings in the city. Many villas dating back to the early ‘900 have recently been restored and host luxurious
4-star hotels and comfortable
3-star guesthouses. The welcoming
hotels situated in the city centre develop around Piazza Cavour, while
cheap hotels and bed & breakfasts are situated in Marina di Levante, a short distance from the most appreciated clubs and restaurants. Comfortable accommodation facilities designed to host business travellers are situated
near the Conference Building Principe di Piemonte.
Viareggio's coastiline was repeatedly awarded the prestigious
Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) by FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) due to its unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear water. The modern tourist facilities, the
elegant Art-Nouveau architectural style which characterizes the city, the lush
pinewood forests which extend from the coast to the city centre and famous
shopping districts make Viareggio a privileged holiday destination for
elite tourists.
Among the major symbols of the city is the square fortress known as
Matilde Tower, built in 1534 as a defensive fortification to fight the constant menace of corsair incursions. At the beginning of the 19th century the craftsmen from Viareggio built a
Basin. As the century moved on, this small shipbuilding activity prospered until it became an internationally acclaimed centre. Nowadays, this is a very important sector after tourism and the carnival celebration.
Walking down
Viale Margherita it is possibile to admire outstanding villas dating back to the
last century which have recently been turned into hotels and business centres, the
Gran caffè Margherita, the
emporio Duilio 48, the
Savoia cinema, as well as glamourous boutiques and luxurious hotels. The central market-place, the so-called
Piazzone, is surrounded by small shops, artisan workshops manufacturing papier-maché and florist's.
Tourists flocking to Versilia to attend the famous
Viareggio Carnival will have the possibility to enjoy
papier-maché floats and a frenzied mob of visitors. During the rest of the year floats are stored in the so-called
Cittadella del Carnevale, a multipurpose facility which hosts important cultural events such as the
Festival Theatre Song dedicated to Giorgio Gaber, the
Literary Prize Viareggio-Rèpaci and the music festival
Jazz & More.
For further information, display the Guidebook of Viareggio provided by Ricerca Hotel.com.
Saturday 04 July 2009
