On Italy’s north-west coast, a few kilometres above Pisa, the sublime seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi stands like a jewel in the Versilia region. Discover a destination prized by tourists and celebrities alike, a historic and iconic place to experience La Dolce Vita.
Forte dei Marmi boasts a history spanning several centuries, enabling it to blend the past with the future. At the end of the 16th century, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Leopold I, built a fort known as the Fortino or Fort Lorenese. Strategically placed on the coast to protect the coastline, and close to the road where marble was transported in the 16th century at the instigation of Michelangelo, the town quickly attracted the aristocratic families of the 19th century. A century later, wealthy industrialists took up residence here, joined by influential artists inspired by the fortress.
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A boom in tourism from the 1950s
Although the town’s late twentieth-century quay was destroyed during the Second World War, the reconstruction of the pier in 1955 enabled Forte dei Marmi to regain its splendour.
In the 60s, the town of Versilia quickly became a favourite destination for a certain elite. It had all the hallmarks of a chic seaside resort: an idyllic coastline, sought-after tranquillity, dream beaches adorned with their iconic wooden cabins, pleasant weather and a growing number of upmarket shops and services. All facing the Mediterranean Sea. A true embodiment of Italy’s Dolce Vita.
A trendy, cultural seaside resort
Even today, Forte dei Marmi radiates glamour. In the morning, stroll through the stalls of the town’s markets, both food and dedicated to antiques and local craftsmen, before visiting the cultural venues. Its fort, in pretty Piazza Garibaldi, remains the town’s landmark and hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibitions, surrounded by tree-lined avenues and peaceful squares. Still in the centre, the Sant’Ermete church, the Parrocchia di Santa Maria Assunta e S. Francesco, the Villa Bertilli and its many exhibitions, and the Ugo Guidi Museum are all must-sees. Art galleries complete this highly cultural city.
In the afternoon, it’s hard not to fall in love with the magnificent beaches of Forte dei Marmi, where the beige sand meets the clear, limpid sea. There are several places to hire a deckchair and laze around all day, including Ostras Beach Versilia and Bagno Cesare.
And when the sun starts to dip, a stroll with our feet in the water takes us along the town’s long quay, perfect for enjoying the changing colours of the Mediterranean and the sky.
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To liven up your stay, the Puccini Festival, where operas and concerts thrill visitors, is held just a few kilometres from the city, at Torre del Lago. The open-air theatre in Piazza Dante, in the heart of Forte dei Marmi, offers all kinds of shows throughout the summer season.
When it comes to shopping, the city is a magnet for luxury lovers. Dior, Valentino, Off-White, Miu Miu, Gucci, Emporio Armani, Loro Piana, Balenciaga… Forte dei Marmi lives up to its reputation as a top-of-the-range seaside resort.
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Dressed to the nines in these boutiques or in more local shops, the evening is spent in one of the trendy clubs in and around the city, including the legendary La Capannina di Franceschi nightclub, opened in 1929.
Michelin-starred hotels and restaurants
In Italy, gastronomy is king in Forte dei Marmi. Many of its restaurants have been awarded a Michelin star: Bistrot, Lorenzo, Lux Lucis, La Magnolia and Il Parco di Villa Grey. Marcoforte, La Cucina del Giardino, Osteria del Mar, Gilda, Ristorante La Taverna Toscana del Raffaelli Park Hotel, La Terrazza – Il Negresco, Greg, Ristorante Cristallo and Battil’oro are also very popular with customers, with excellent ratings on Tripadvisor and The Fork.
Forte dei Marmi boasts a number of prestigious hotels with a sunny Italian ambience and uninhibited luxury. These include the five-star Grand Hotel Imperiale, Hotel Principe, Augustus Hotel & Resort and Hotel Byron, as well as the four-star Villa Grey, California Park Hotel, Resort Miramonti and Villa Roma Imperiale. All offer excellent swimming pools and are often just a stone’s throw from the sea.
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Featured photo: © To Toscane
