Guide of Viareggio, Italy

Viareggio, Italy

Viareggio is a town of about 60,000 inhabitants whose history as a tourist resort dates back to the end of the 19th century, as it is proved by the many examples of Liberty architecture mainly found aling the promenade. The promenade is also an elegant shopping centre which is busy both in winter and summer. The town also offers two pinewoods, a tourist harbour, a conference centre and many other additional facilities.

Viareggio boasts the most incredible Carnival floats parade in Italy. Its origins dates back to the 19th Century: the first edition took place in 1873. The coloure triumphal floats are real "Mirabilia": enormous machineries were monsters, politicians, animals and fantastic creatures moves their tentacles, heads, arms...etc. The construction of the floats are a serious thing here: there are different groups of carpenters, blacksmiths, sculptors, painters, and other artists who work separately for building the best float of the Carnival... Everything takes place in a blaze of joyful colours, musics, dances, etc.