Forte dei Marmi: what to see, from the Fortino to the pier and market

Day trips in Versilia · 2 min read

Forte dei Marmi: what to see, from the Fortino to the pier and market
Photo: Ingo Mehling · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Forte dei Marmi is known as a luxury resort, but you can enjoy it without spending much: a bike, a stroll on the pier and a coffee in the square.

The Fortino

The town is named after its Fortino (Forte Lorenese), built in 1788 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo to defend the coast and control the marble trade that shipped from here. Today it houses the Museum of Satire and Caricature, opened in 1997. In Piazza Garibaldi there's also the well-fountain donated by the Grand Duke in 1843.

Forte dei Marmi is named after a small fort and a mountain of marble that left from its pier.

The pier

Marble blocks from the Apuan Alps were once loaded from the pier: today it's the classic stroll, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other.

Forte dei marmi giardini
Photo: Bramfab · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The market

The Wednesday market in Piazza Marconi runs all year, 8 am to 1:30 pm, and is a ritual of any holiday here. From Easter to the end of October there's also a smaller Sunday market. Full details in our markets guide.

Evenings

The centre comes alive after dinner among boutiques and gelato shops. For the story of La Capannina, read our nightlife guide.

Forte dei Marmi Summer 2022 | City Center to Pontile Walk Tour 4K
Video: Forte dei Marmi Summer 2022 | City Center to Pontile Walk Tour 4K — Tour at Home TV (YouTube). The video loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only after you click.

Frequently asked questions

When is the market in Forte dei Marmi?

Every Wednesday in Piazza Marconi from 8 am to 1:30 pm; from Easter to the end of October also on Sunday mornings.

What is inside the Fortino in Forte dei Marmi?

The Museum of Satire and Caricature, opened in 1997.

Sources: Comune di Forte dei Marmi – Forte Lorenese, VisitForte – il mercato, Il Mercato di Forte dei Marmi. General information: opening times, prices and dates change, so always check the official websites.