Forte dei Marmi and its history

For more than a century, Forte dei Marmi has become one of the most renowned holiday resorts in both Italy and Europe. It has famous beaches, excellent restaurants such as the Orsa Maggiore, a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful villas surrounding by their spectacular gardens, and a buzzing social life. What makes it even more relaxing and special is the fact that everybody moves about by bicycle rather than car.

The territory of Forte dei Marmi, in Versilia, spans a total of 9km, between Cinquale (north) and Pietrasanta (south). For a long time this area was marshy and very unpopulated. It developed during the XVI century during which time Michelangelo (on Pope Leone X's orders), designed the road for the transportation of marble from the Alpi Apuane to the sea, as well as and imbarcation dock and a warehouse. For a long time, these were the only permanent structures. Thanks to the drainage organized by Pope Leone, the area started to attract fisherman, marble works and farmers at the end of the XVIII century.

In 1788, the building of the fort was completed which was to then lend its name to the area. During the XVIII century, the marble industry started to grow and develop which resulted in the development of the port.

Forte dei Marmi's real economic take-off happened later thanks to tourism which started around the end of the XVIII century.
The area's fast growing popularity can be dated soon after the end of the First World War, when the small town became the favorite destination of an élite group of aristocrats, businessmen and intellectuals.