Tuscany: beautiful Viareggio, between papier-maché masks and art nouveau

Hello, my friends! Welcome to My Own Italy to discover Italy with my personal touch!
Today our Travel to Italy is in Tuscany to visit one of the most famous and popular cities of our country: Viareggio!

Located on the Tyrrhenian coast, between the shimmering sea on one side and the white peaks of the snow and the marble of the Apuan Alps on the other hand, Viareggio is known as "The Pearl of the Versilia".

Viareggio probably gets its name to the presence of a castle, called "Castrum de via regia" (Castle of the King Road), erected in honor of Frederick Barbarossa in 1172 AD from the cities of Lucca and Genoa, both enemies of Pisa, to defend the coast.

 The oldest fortification of the city is the Torre Matilde, which dates back to 1500, built by the Lucchesi to defend against pirates.
All around is the oldest neighborhood right along the Burlamacca canal, that is the ideal sport for fishermen and for also the people of Viareggio who moor their small boats.

 At the beginning of the nineteenth century Viareggio starts to turn into tourist destination, thanks to the holiday of Paolina Borghese, sister of Napoleon Bonaparte: Viareggio becomes a popular seaside resort.
The tourist vocation of Viareggio always combines art, and in fact you can visit the Museums of Villa Paolina, with the wonderful examples of Art-Deco and Art Nouveau that adorn the city.

The walk along the seafront is a showcase of Viareggio: a great avenue of more than 3 kilometers along the beach, decorated with Art Nouveau architecture: from Bagno Balena to the Caffe Margherita, where Giacomo Puccini loved to sit.

But Viareggio above all means Carnival: four weeks of madness while throngs of tourists come to admire the parade of the most famous papier-mache in the world.
 An ancient tradition: in fact, in 1873 a group of young middle-class, sitting at the Cafe Casino, had the idea of a procession of floats and masks along the avenue that runs along the sea and then the wagons parade on the Promenade: huge caricatures of cards that ironically make fun of the world of politics and the show business.

An unmissable event, which every year, with irreverent satire, tackles the big issues of current affairs and of politics with great sense of humor
After the parade the fun continues in the districts in Viareggio: parties involving alternately the four districts of the city, during which the closed roads are filled with costumes, music and dancing.

Viareggio therefore offers amazing vacation full of fun and relaxation.
Long sandy beaches, vast pine forests, sea and culture.
A place suitable for every season, which meets all the needs of the traveler.

Carlotta Tenneriello

I'd like to suggest you where to stay: choose among many proposals offered by HRS.
I personally had a great time: facilities located in picturesque areas really and equipped with every comfort. I'm sure you will experience a truly enjoyable and unforgettable holiday!

Leisure with me: this is my tourism!