This cozy, green, and well-kept town is full of beautiful places. Even a simple sightseeing tour of Viareggio brings many pleasant moments and has a surprisingly calming effect. One of the city’s key landmarks is the 14th-century Matilde Tower (La Torre Matilde). A walk along Viale Regina Margherita will allow you to admire the architecture of the past century. One of the most striking buildings is the Gran Caffè Margherita, designed in an oriental style.
Take a bus excursion outside Viareggio to the nearby village of Torre del Lago, located by the picturesque Lake Massaciuccoli. Here you can visit the Giacomo Puccini villa-museum, where the composer created many of his most famous works. You’ll find original interiors, personal belongings, a piano, and letters preserved from Puccini’s time. The exhibition is dedicated not only to the maestro himself but also to his family. While in the area, don’t miss the Paolina Palace, which hosts exhibitions of antique musical instruments.
Another must-see experience is a trip to the marble quarries, which have been in operation since the days of Ancient Rome and are still active today. The marble reserves in this region seem almost inexhaustible! Hire a local guide from Viareggio to take you on this tour — chances are they’ll tell you that Michelangelo himself used to visit these quarries. The sculptor often spent weeks here, carefully selecting blocks of stone with the perfect qualities for his masterpieces.
To conclude your excursion in the surroundings of Viareggio, stop on the slopes of the Alps, breathe in the incredible mountain air, and capture some unforgettable photos.
Approximate cost of guided tours in Viareggio: marble quarries — €200; quarries by off-road vehicle — €500; wine tasting with a visit to a medieval castle and wine cellars — €300; yacht excursion along the coast with a light lunch — €75.
