Viale delle Piagge, Lucca Travel Guide

Viale delle Piagge, located on the eastern outskirts of Pisa, is a charming avenue that runs along the right bank of the Arno River. Situated near the ancient Porta a Piagge, this avenue provides a delightful retreat from the city's more crowded tourist spots.Constructed around 1851, the Viale delle Piagge was built as a means to prevent the frequent flooding of the Arno River. The avenue is elevated approximately five meters above the river's level, serving as a protective bastion. The avenue stretches for about two and a half kilometers and is lined with Linden trees, while Plane trees, Lauri, and Ilex trees grow between the avenue and the river. Benches are placed approximately 50 meters apart along the avenue. In the first half of the avenue, visitors can find three cast iron fountains.Around 1920, bathing facilities were built by a private company in front of the river. These small huts, called "bagnetti", were located a few meters from the shore in an area where the river was shallow, allowing bathers to change and swim in safe waters. The end of the avenue, farthest from the Ponte della Vittoria, is known as the Round, where coaches could turn around. Today, Viale delle Piagge is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful environment for walking, jogging, and cycling. A green area with exercise equipment is available about a third of the way down the avenue for those seeking an outdoor workout.