Shelley Square

Immerse yourself in the suggestive panorama of Viareggio from the historic squares of the city. Admire the monument dedicated to Shelley, the famous romantic poet whose tragic fate brought him back lifeless on the beaches of Viareggio after a shipwreck.

Viareggio boasts several historic piazzas that offer breathtaking views, and Piazza Shelley is certainly one of the most fascinating. This place not only offers a picturesque setting, but also holds compelling stories that enrich the cultural fabric of the city.

Percy Bysshe Shelley, an illustrious English poet of the Romantic era, spent part of his life traveling around Europe. In 1822, at the age of thirty, while traveling by boat to San Terenzo, he was surprised by a sudden storm. His lifeless body was found on the shores near what is now Piazza Shelley, where he was then cremated on the beach of Viareggio.

Artist Urbano Lucchesi was honored to create a monument in memory of the writer. His bust, unveiled in 1894, is a magnificent work that dominates the center of the Shelley square, testifying to Lucchesi's sculptural skills and celebrating the poet's literary legacy.

From Piazza Shelley, you can easily reach other destinations on foot, such as the renowned Passeggiata di Viareggio, a seafront promenade full of shops and restaurants. Or you can explore the museums of Villa Paolina, a sumptuous summer residence that once housed Paolina Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister.