What to see in Pietrasanta

Among the localities of Versilia, one of the most beautiful and famous is Pietrasanta, a splendid and refined town of art located at the foot of the hills that join the plain to the Apuan Alps. Thanks to its marvellous territory, characterised by a very varied landscape, it is ideal for any type of stay in all seasons of the year. There is never a dull moment, there is always something to do and especially to see.

Dubbed ‘Little Athens’ for its excellent cultural and artistic heritage, it holds enchanting and unexpected surprises at every turn. It has always been a crossroads for artists, attracted by the famous marble quarries and the skilful work of local craftsmen. In the past, it was the privileged refuge of great masters of art such as Michelangelo and Giorgio Vasari, and still today many artists live in the city, including the famous Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, who has graced the city with his works.

Its charming old town is full of art galleries, workshops and artisans’ shops. Its streets teem with works of contemporary sculpture by major international artists, including Botero’s ‘The Warrior‘ in Piazza Matteotti, Igor Mitoraj’s ‘The Centaur‘ in the square of the same name, and Yasuda Kan’s ‘Dream Key‘ in Piazza della Stazione.

The beating heart of Pietrasanta is the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the place for meetings and social events. The square is highly scenic and is overlooked by fine buildings, among which is the Cathedral of San Martino with its characteristic red-brick bell tower, still unfinished. Built in the 14th century, it is a true architectural jewel entirely clad in white marble. Several works of art can be admired inside, including the marvellous marble Pulpit dating back to the 16th century, the monolithic staircase by Andrea Baratta and paintings by Luigi Ademollo. Next to the cathedral is the complex consisting of the Church of St Augustine and the adjoining former convent with its characteristic cloister. The church, now deconsecrated, is one of the main Gothic buildings in the province of Lucca. The adjacent cloister houses the Museo dei Bozzetti (Museum of Sketches), in which more than 700 sketches and models, mainly in plaster, of sculptures by more than 350 Italian and foreign artists are collected.

Also in Piazza del Duomo are: the Torre delle Ore, built in Gothic style between 1530 and 1533, although its current appearance dates back to 1860; the medieval Palazzo Pretorio, whose central doorway leads to the Municipal Theatre; and the Museo Archeologico Versiliese ‘Bruno Antonucci’ (Versilian Archaeological Museum ‘Bruno Antonucci’) housed in Palazzo Moroni, which contains artefacts from the Versilian area dating from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. To the right of the cathedral, in Via Garibaldi, is the ancient Oratory of San Giacinto, also known as the Baptistery. Built between 1604 and 1615, the building was completely renovated in the second half of the 18th century. The only work remaining from the 17th century layout is the altarpiece Eucaristia e angeli adoranti by Filippo Martelli. Next to the arch of Porta a Pisa, the only surviving gate of the three ancient gates of the city walls, stands the Rocchetta Arrighina. It was erected in the 14th century by Castruccio Castracani to complete the defensive system of Pietrasanta and was named by him after his son Arrigo.

Also of great interest are: the small Church of the Misericordia, inside which one can admire the frescoes Porta del Paradiso (Gate of Paradise) and Porta dell’Inferno (Gate of Hell) by Botero and a statue of San Biagio attributed to Jacopo della Quercia; and the Church of San Francesco, rich in inlaid marble and works of art. Also not to be missed is the Rocca di Sala, also known as Rocca Ghibellina, which is of great historical and cultural importance. Of Lombard origin, it is a fortified complex in a dominant position on the hill behind the town centre. From the rocca one can enjoy a wonderful view of the historic centre of Pietrasanta and the Versilia plain. For poetry lovers, in the hamlet of Valdicastello, there is the birthplace of Giosuè Carducci, with authentic furnishings, heirlooms and a large marble bust in the garden.

Pietrasanta is also known and appreciated for its coastline, which offers an extraordinary choice of bathing establishments. It is also an excellent base from which to explore the Apuan Alps, as well as a fascinating destination for a day trip from Pisa or Viareggio.