Definited by many as the "pearl of the Thyrrenian", Viareggio the largest seaside resort of the Versilia. Bounded by the mouth of the Burlamacca canal, between the Lido di Camaiore and the Marina di Torre del Lago, it is enclosed between two pine woods, known as the Ponente and the Levante. In 1617 Viareggio became the capital of the Vicarship, receiving the title of city in 1820. The site of internationally-famous initiatives and cultural events, such as the Viareggio Leonida Repaci literary prize, it also plays host to trade fair events connected to sailing and publishing. It is best known internationally for its celebrated Carnival. 

The Matilde tower is the oldest evidence of the city's past, dominating the Burlamacca canal with its magnificence.  It was constructed by the Lucchese in 1544 as a tower for defence and protection of the part of the Versilia coast. The Centre of Historic Documentation is located in the neoclassical Villa Paolina, which also play host to the city's picture gallery.

It holds many works by Lorenzo Viani (1882-1936), a famous Viareggio painter considered a 20th century master and an archaeological and paleontological section. An important example of Art Nouveau is the Gran Cafè Margherita, with its unique slightly oriental shapes, particularly evident in the domes gilded with tiles of multicoloured Majolica, and the buildings such as Bagno Balena and the Magazzini Duilio 48.

Province: Lucca. Alt.: 2 m - Inhab.: 63276.