VIAREGGIO & VERSILIA
Elegant and refined seaside in Versilia, Viareggio‘s name derives from the tower in Via Regia, which was built during the XV century by the inhabitants of Lucca. In that period, once the Burlamacca's mouth had become ready for working, the harbour become lively and trading increased the exchanges. The sea, the big ally of the inhabitants of Viareggio, constituted the starting-point to build the fishermen's boats. The development and growing of Viareggio favoured the birth of yacht building activity. The landscape is unique thanks to the green hills, the pinewoods, the blue sea. Carnival animates this town every year through a long parade. Custom, actuality and policy are the targets of the organizers' imagination. The carnival was born in 1873 and is as famous as the Rio Carnival. Symbol of the Carnival and mask of the town is Burlamacco ideated and designed by Umberto Bonetti in 1930.The town origins go back to XVI century when it became the only sea gate for Lucca Republic. The most remarkable town monument is Matilde Tower a fortification erected by the Lucchesi in 1541 to defend against pirates incursions.
Festival Puccini takes place in Torre del Lago Puccini takes place every summer since 1930, between July and August, in an open-air theatre with 3,200 seats on the shore of Massacciuccoli lake .Amongst the other events organized around the year, it is worth mentioning the Festival Gaber. Since 2004 it takes place every August to celebrate the memory of Giorgio Gaber, and is attended by several high-profile Italian musicians. Viareggio is also famous as Marcello Lippi, Italian football coach, was born.
TO VISIT
It's worth visiting Matilde's tower; in Shelley Square as you can see a bust representing the poet. Viareggio is an amusement-centre, the country of the Carnival and of the night-refinement with its advanced and night clubs.
GASTRONOMY
Cacciucco di Viareggio done with poor fish. Do not miss the event “ the forgotten fish “. La finocchiana is a particular salami aromatized with wild fennel.
