Between the coast and the relief of the Apuan Alps, Pietrasanta is a very chic village, a “city of marble” where craftsmen have been working this material for centuries. It is a town that dates back to the Middle Ages, designated as the capital of Versilia. It is also called the “Little Athens” because today there are many sculptors and artists of international renown, among the best, such as Botero and Mitoraj who settled here, worked and left works adorning squares and streets.
Its historic centre is very elegant, decorated with contemporary sculptures, with its luxury shops, art galleries, wine bars and chic restaurants.
What to see in Pietrasanta
Today, Pietrasanta is an open-air museum with a flourishing artistic life, adorned with numerous temporary installations and contemporary sculptures of quality such as the Warrior by Botero and the Centaur and the Annunciation by Mitoraj, and its many art galleries. The Studio Cervietti is reminiscent of the marble workshop in Pietrasanta.
Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo is the central square of the village, ideal for relaxing and having a drink, surrounded by its beautiful buildings such as the remarkable Collegiate Cathedral of San Martino with its bell tower, the Clock Tower, the Archaeological Museum, the Pretorio Palace, the Municipal Theatre and the former Church of Sant’Agostino with its cloister. It houses the interesting Museum of Sketches with 700 plaster models of sculptures.
Pietrasanta Cathedral
Also known as the Collegiate Church of San Martino, the cathedral dates back to the 13th century with its marble-covered exterior and rose window on the façade. It retains a 17th century marble pulpit and 19th century frescoes. The never completed bell tower dates back to the 16th century with its exposed bricks.
Oratory of San Giacinto
The oratory of San Giacinto preserves two remarkable baptismal fonts, one superb 1389 with its hexagonal basin and reliefs that represent virtues. The other is from the 16th century.
Church of San Francesco
The San Francesco church with its 16th-century convent, retains its cloister. The loggia dates back to the 17th century. It preserves various works of art including the altarpiece with Saint Louis, King of France and Saints Francis of Paola and Elisabeth of Hungary by Anton Domenico Gabbiani. In front of the church is Saint Francis in bronze by the American sculptor Harry Marinsky.
Archaeological Museum
Housed in the Moroni Palace, the Archaeological Museum collects archaeological pieces from the territory ranging from prehistory to the Middle Ages including a section on the Etruscan period, the Roman period and the medieval period (including wares, amphora, ceramics, coins, urns and sarcophagi).
Sketch Museum
The Museum of Sketches has more than 700 sketches, models and drawings of sculptures made by 350 Italian and foreign artists. It also offers activities and workshops for children.
Rocca di Sala
From the Rocca Ghibellina (or Rocca di Sala), the medieval remains of the castle that dominate Piazza Duomo, you have a beautiful view of Pietrasanta. You can reach it by a short trail in a few minutes.
Via Mazzini
Via Mazzini, the “Via di Mezzo”, is the richest in shops, with its entrance on Piazza Crispi the contemporary monumental frame Peace Frame of the American Nall.
Marina di Pietrasanta
On the coast, Marina di Pietrasanta is an elegant resort with beautiful sandy beaches and establishments, bars and restaurants. The Versilia pietrasso park is a beautiful green area with trees where you can walk or attend summer festivals.
Valdicastello
Valdicastello Carducci is a beautiful medieval complex dating back to the Middle Ages with the Castle of Monteggiori, which preserves the church of Santa Maria Assunta and San Giuseppe, the church of Santa Maria, or the birthplace of Giosuè Carducci.
Proposals of visits and activities
Where is Pietrasanta, map
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Sources and links
- General informations: en.wikipedia.org
- Tourist portals and blogs : www.firenzemadeintuscany.com
- Website of the commune : www.comune.pietrasanta.lu.it
Articles about Versilia
- Versilia in Tuscany
The Versilia is a strip of territory in northern Tuscany, bordering the coast for almost 20 km, between its long sandy beaches to the west and the seaside coast, and ...
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