Camaiore

The Village of Camaiore is located in a valley surrounded by hills and the northern Appennins mountains. Camaiore has Roman origins as one of the largest encampments near to the city of Lucca and an important station along the Via Cassia. The origins of its name "Campus Maior" come from this.

In the Middle Ages, the town grew considerably thanks to the old Via Francigena. The city represented the Twenty–seventh stage during the journey of Sigerico Canterbury, and was called Campmaior by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Now Camaiore is filled with many artistic treasures which include the Collegiate Church, Saint Peter's which is a Benedectine Abbey and in the village of Pieve of Camaiore there is a church which is an excellent example of a Romanic church and dates back to about 817 d.C.       

The territory of Camaiore is beautiful and known for its landscape and its small medieval villages like Monteggiori, Casoli, Gombitelli e Montebello. From their hillside positions there is a fantastic view over the sea and surrounding hills, while time seems to have stopped centuries ago.

Lido di Camaiore spreads out for more than four km along a coast of fine sand. Since the beginning of the last Century, Lido di Camaiore has been one of the most renowned seaside resorts in Italy. Gabriele D'Annunzio was the first to prefer this place to crown his love with Eleonora Duse. The real boom came after the second World War, when Lido became one of the favorite destinations for mass national and international tourism.

This is a Prehistoric Cave, which is about 40x60 metres large. It is reached after about an hour's walk along an easy path through the oak forests of Mount Matanna. The underground structure is also interesting from a geological point of view, showing evidence of the most significant events sedimentological and paleoclimatic from about 170,000 years ago.
Guided tours in Italian and or English, these can be organised by contacting the Apt of Versilia at info@aptversilia.it

In the center of Camaiore, is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1278, characterized by the asymmetrical façade with the Bell Tower in 1350. This is definitely worth a visit while in Camaiore. The main characteristics are the great rose window that adorns the facade and the valuable interior furnishings dating back to the sixteenth century.


Address: Via XX Settembre, 63, 55041 Camaiore LU
Tel: 0584 989210

Attached to the seventeenth century the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, the Museum houses collections of paintings, jewelry, sculptures, furniture and precious vestments from the churches of the area, dating from the XIV to the XVIII century.
Other items include a significant Flemish tapestry from 1516 with scenes of the Passion and the Annunciation, polychrome wooden statue of Matteo Civitali the end of the XV century.


Address: Via IV Novembre, 71, Camaiore
Web: www.museoartesacracamaiore.it

This is a superb restaurant with an old fashion atmosphere, offering elegant seafood dishes. Very high quality food and friendly staff.
It is a little bit more expensive than some of the other restaurants in the area - but you get what you pay for!


Address: Via Aurelia, 289, 55041 Lido di Camaiore LU
Tel: 0584 904520
Web: www.ristorantedaclara.com/

Family run restaurant in which the grandmother is also working. Their pizza baked in wood fired ovens is great!!!
Very friendly staff towards families with children. As this is an extremely popular place, make sure you make a reservation.

Day closed: Thursday


Address: Via Italica 61, Lido di Camaiore
Tel: 0584 67624
Web: www.lacantinadabruno.com

The best homemade pasta in town. Fresh made pasta filled with fresh ingredients. The shop sells pasta in different shapes and sizes, some types available are gnocchi, ravioloni, cannelloni, tortelloni. Some types are coloured with natural ingredients like egg, pumpkin or fresh spinach.

This butcher shop offers the best meats and coldcuts in the town.


Address: via San Vincenzo 34

You can find the full range of artisan cured meats typical Tuscan products like fresh pork and beef and other local products, such as oils, flour, pasta, cheeses and specialities such as Tordelli Camaioresi, lasagna, Scarpaccia, quiches, all combined with a selection of wines.


Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele 9
Web: http://www.bonuccellisalumi.com/

This is the most famous bar and pasticceria in Camaiore. Here you can taste the traditional cakes of Camaiore area.


Address: via Vittorio Emanuele, 139

On May 16, 1980 at the foot of Montemagno two wine lovers: Giuseppe Pighini aka Nebraska and Giovanni Bonucelli aka Barbierino founded the Enoteca Nebraska. Hoping to live up to their original standards, the Enoteca continues to offer the best wines, sparkling wines and the most famous Italian labels worldwide accompanied by snacks based on local produce and artisan specialties according to the ancient traditions of cuisine including Camaiore "scarpaccia" and "pepper cake."


Address: loc. Nocchi , 55041 Camaiore

This is a huge, well stocked supermarket. There is plenty of uncovered parking. Inside there is a bar/café and space to play for children.

Opening times: Monday-Friday: 8-21.00, Saturday: 7.30-20.30, Sund
ay: 9-20.00
Address: Viale Kennedy John - 55041 Camaiore

Post office
Open: Monday-Friday: 8.15-19, Saturday: 8.15-13
Address: Piazza Armando Diaz 7 - 55041 Camaiore

Tourist office
Consorzio Promozione Turistica città di Camaiore
Open on Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 12.45 and from 15.30 to 18.30
Closed on Sunday and public holidays
Address: Viale Colombo 127/129, Lido di Camaiore
Web: www.versiliainfo.com

Doctor
Dr Ivana BARTELLONI
Tel: +39 0584 983166
Address: 123/B, Via Delle Muretta - 55041 Camaiore

Hospital with emergency room
OSPEDALE UNICO "VERSILIA" STABILIMENTO DI CAMAIORE,
Address: Via Aurelia  - Lido Di Camaiore

Pharmacy
Conti di Dinelli
Opening times: Monday-Saturday: 8.30-13 and 15.30-19.30
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele 125 - Camaiore

Banks
There are three banks in Camaiore, plus several ATM machines around the town. They are generally open in the mornings from about 8.20 until 13.20 and then again for a short time in the afternoon, most from 14.30 for an hour.

Petrol
There are three petrol stations in Camaiore, an API, IP and Shell. All have self service facilities for after hours filling. It is best to have cash as not all accept credit cards.