History of Versilia - Human presence in Versilia dates back to the Neolithic Age and many traces still remain in a number of areas. Then the Apuan Ligurians occupied the territory and fortified mountain passes and hills. Subsequently the Etruscans left but very few traces in the area. When the Romans arrived, they built roads such as the ancient Via Aurelia and colonized the area with villas, hamlets and villages. The Lombards later occupied the Roman settlements, providing the territory with a layout similar to the present one.

A major development in Versilia`s history was the founding in the 13th century of the two principal cities: Pietrasanta in the north and Camaiore in the southern area.

Pietrasanta was dominated by Lucca, Pisa and Genoa and finally in 1513 it went under control of Florence Camaiore instead was under the rule of Lucca. These two cities have played an important role in the area up to 1700 but during the following years - with its port and land reclamation operations - Viareggio grew in importance and began to expand until it obtained the rank of a city.

Towards the end of the first half of the 19th century Versilia gradually became well known as a healthful place for sea bathing and heliotherapy treatments. This trend turned the area into a thriring holiday destination, becoming popular among both pleasure seekers as well as those pursuing cures. At the end of the 19th century the popularity of bathing expanded enormously throughout the region leading the area to the present situation. ... from "Versilia" (Versilia Toscana Italia)