Strongly tied to tradition, the versilian area is in a position today to offer on one hand, exciting holidays with its seaside facilities dedicated to international tourism and on the other, a secluded countryside steeped in rich history with its parish churches, castles, medieval hamlets and ancient towns full of atmosphere
The history of this district, consisting in differnt dominations that carried alternatively periods of wealth and poverty, underlines the strong relationship among the territory, resources and the inhabitants of the area.
since ancient times, the extraction and quarrying of marble and other metals, have been the cause for the economic wealth but also cause for many disputes and battles that characterized this Part of Tuscany.Today, the tradition still lives in the the artistic laboratories and foundries that with the expert work of the local artisans, attract many important artists of the international scene.
starting from the 1500 the marble industry is the true source of wealth in the Apuan area and at the same time it has fostered a community of chisel artisans that, under the influence of great artists of the Florentine school, have acquired an aesthetical sensibility, in addition to great skill. Today the results of this experience can be admired in the artisans workshps of Pietrasanta, where experienced hands work the marble combining new technology with traditional tools.
The typical Versilia Products come from agricolture and, apart form marble and metal workmanship, is the main activity of the area. Olive oil, Honey, Fruits and Flowers mostly cultivated in little family farms
The coastline tradinollay involved in fishing and naval activity, has subsequnetly developed a strong gastronomy tradition mostly based on fish, and with the countryside productions create a mix of tastes that nowadays is recognized as the the 'Versilia cuisine'
Products and traditions
