Casesi is a miniature village, a hamlet of Corsanico, which is considered to be the authentic "terrace over Versilia" (where one finds the parish church of Saint Michael the Archangel with a Romanesque bell tower of the IX century and constitutes a national monument).
The side streets offer picturesque views, stone archways, flowered balconies, red geraniums then it's no problem to conjure up ancient images of women standing around the wash-stands: sun soaked colours, penetrating perfumes, sleepy cats
The hamlet of Casesi has a single rather old-fashioned shop to buy tobacco, basic food items and a "public telephone", while at Corsanico, 1.5 Km. distant, one finds all types of shops ranging from a butcher to a pharmacy and a Post Office.

At this point there are many itineraries one can take, historical, cultural or nature trails: hamlets, trekking, bicycling or horse riding.
The closest centres, full of interest and activities, are Camaiore, Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Massaciuccoli Lake, Torre del Lago, Lucca, Garfagnana and Pisa. One of the most famous and colourful attractions is the Viareggio Carnival. Other acclaimed attractions are also the Puccini Festival, the Versiliana Cafe rendezvous, high society summer goings-on at the famous Versilian beaches.

IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY:

MONUMENTS

The caves of Mommio: archaeological finds

Material uncovered at Campo Casali and Montramito provide valid proof of Ligurian settlements dating from the seventh century BC as well as the successive Etruscan civilisation.
But the feather in the cap of the ancient ruins is Massaciuccoli where the Roman civilisation left impressive traces that can still be admired today: the ruins of the Roman Baths (Terme) and the Roman Villa. Also ceramic relics dating from the II century BC to the III century AD are kept in the local Civic Museum situated between the Roman Villa and the Baths.
The most outstanding antiquity is surely the fabulous Roman stone mosaic floor.
The swampy deeps and islands of Lake Massaciuccoli are of rare and exquisite beauty, calling up memories of Puccini's music.
This is a natural environment that is adequately protected (it falls within the San Rossore, Migliarino Natural Park reservation).

Romanesque churches can be seen still in their original state:

Villa Cenami Chapel at Piano di Conca.

The Church of Pieve a Elici (Pieve di San Panteleone - XI century) is outstanding for its stylistic purity and has been superbly restored to its original state, a peaceful harmony of candid lines, rich with works of art (Madonna and Child wall fresco of the XIII century, Crucifixion and Saints fresco of the XVI century; marble polyptech on the main altar from the end of the XV century; marble holy water font and tabernacle of the XV century; exquisite jewellery, wrought iron works, wood crafts, embroidered silk artefacts, etc.).
Because of its beauty and its perfect acoustics this Romanesque church has been for over 30 years now the seat of one of the major Italian instrument concert series organised by the local Musical Association of Lucca during the months of July and August.

Mention must be made of the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Corsanico, the main building of which, in Renaissance style, dates to the years 1841-1844 in partial replacement of the previous Romanesque structure from the XII century, which can still be detected on the northern wall, the window apertures and the massive bell tower of the IX century that has today become a national monument. Inside one can admire: the Baptismal Font of the XVI century that was used for the nearby growing community of Viareggio, the holy oil cruet by sculptor Lorenzo Stagi, the two marble altars, the frescoes by Marracci and Michele Marcucci, and most of all, the stupendous monumental Venetian organ built between 1602 and 1606 by Vincenzo Colonna, recently restored and returned to its original state to be able to host the series of concerts programmed here also in this church each year during the summer months by the Cultural Association of the Friends of Vincenzo Colonna Organ Music, featuring performances by famous organists from all over the world.

HISTORICAL VILLAS

Villas built between the XV and XIX century:
• at Massaciuccoli: Villa Minutoli
• at Quiesa: Villa Morozzo-Della Rocca and Villa Ginori
• at Compignano: Villa Baldini, where Paolina Bonaparte slept
• at Bozzano: Villa Conti
• at Massarosa: Villa Provenzali, Palazzo Giorgini where Alessandro Manzoni stayed)
• at Piano di Mommio: Villa Orsucci
• at Luciano near Pieve a Elici: Villa Pellegrini and Villa Del Magro
• at Piano di Conca: Villa Cenami
• at Stiava: Villa Toscano
• at Bargecchia: Villa Borbone, that was the hunting residence of Carlo Lodovico, Duke of Lucca.

It is also to be mentioned that many famous and illustrious gentlemen stayed in this vicinity, praising its harmonious beauty, such as D'Annunzio, D'Azeglio, Giusti, Manzoni, Pea, Rosmini, as well as maestro Giacomo Puccini.

TURISTIC ITINERARIES:

• Pathways
• Hills - hamlets
• Massaciuccoli Lake
• L.I.P.U. Oasis (bird watching) - lake dwellings

ART AND CULTURE

• Civic Museum and Roman Mosaic
(at the former Elementary School)
Via Pietra a Padule, Massaciuccoli
Tel 0584 975866

• Concert season at Pieve a Elici
• Organ concerts at Corsanico
• Concerts and Operas at the Massaciuccoli Baths

• Exhibit of visual arts and photography at Villa Gori, Stiava

• Roman Baths at Massaciuccoli and view of the lake

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