Versilia is an area of prestigious coastal resorts in northern Tuscany which saw a flowering of the architectural style known as Art Nouveau in the last century. Fine examples are to be found among the villas, hotels and bathing stations of the area, pandering to exquisitely Modernist taste and following the curving floral lines of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. This new architectural language found expression in phytomorphic motives seen in pictorial design, ceramics and wrought iron balustrades and gates. 

Art Nouveau became the trademark of the local urban landscape particularly at Viareggio. Famous for its historical carnival celebrations, the town’s architecture will leave you breathless once the carnival confetti have been swept up. The style is unique and refined. It was conceived by the great names of Italian urban architecture and engineering such as Alfredo Belluomini, Aldo Castelfranco and Galileo Chini: pioneers of Art Nouveau or “Liberty style” as it is known in Italy. We have selected five luxury hotels in the most fashionable locations in the Versilia area.

Spa

Augustus Hotel and Resort is located at Forte dei Marmi, the home of chic holidays. One of the villas was owned by Edoardo Agnelli, the founder of the car manufacturer Fiat. He greatly contributed to bringing tourism to this elite destination. The hotel is surrounded by a large park along with another seven villas. These luxury surroundings cater to every taste and have attracted Hollywood divas, wellknown politicians and artists.

Hotel Augustus – Forte dei Marmi

Palazzo Guiscardo is located a few kilometres from the sea at Pietrasanta. Built in an Art Nouveau style, it takes its name from the founder of the city, Guiscardo Pietrasanta. From the entrance it becomes clear that this is not simply a traditional luxury hotel, it is a noble abode which opens its doors for you, promising a most charming stay.

Palazzo Guiscardo – Bianco Statuario

Hotel Montecatini Palace is situated in the historic thermal Spa at Montecatini in the heart of Tuscany. This is an ideal place to restore your soul as you enjoy luxury treatments. The building dates back to the very beginning of the 20th century and has undergone restoration ensuring the greatest respect for the original Art Nouveau style that is so dear to the area.

Hotel Montecatini Palace

Grand Hotel Royal in the heart of Viareggio has hosted Russian princes and the Queen of Belgium. With its characteristics Art Nouveau architecture offers enchanting views of the sea, the surrounding area and the pine forest where you can relax.

Grand Hotel Royal

Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is a landmark of Art Deco style in Viareggio. An exclusive five-star hotel that began its activity in the early 1920s, in the 1940s it stood out a pinnacle among the historic luxury hotels of the area.

Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte

Photo gallery

Photo gallery