In the footsteps of the Medici in Versilia
5 min · 29 May 2023
Versilia certainly needs no introduction: it is a splendid historical-geographical region of Tuscany that manages to please every type of traveller with its enchanting and varied territory, where scenery and landscapes change within a few kilometres. In this article, we propose an itinerary with a historical scope that will guide you to discover the testimonies that the Medici left in Versilia. The route winds along the municipalities of Pietrasanta, Seravezza and Stazzema.
Besides being proponents of artistic creativity and tireless collectors, the Medici were also promoters of numerous territorial interventions. The ancient Florentine family became one of the most powerful dynasties in Italian history around 1430. And Pietrasanta, Seravezza and Stazzema also became appurtenances of the Medici state.
During the Medici period, Pietrasanta experienced extraordinary development and established itself as a manufacturing center linked to the processing of marble. In Versilia the artistic working of marble has very ancient origins but a notable impulse was registered under the Medici government, when the marble quarries were opened in the nearby Apuan Alps, with the presence in Pietrasanta also of Michelangelo, sent by Pope Leo of Lorenzo de’ Medici) to choose the marbles destined for the façade of San Lorenzo in Florence. Just take a careful look at the buildings of Pietrasanta to find traces of Buonarroti’s presence. Near Piazza del Duomo, two plaques on two different buildings recall that Michelangelo signed some contracts for the supply of marble here.
Lorenzo and Stagio Stagi, Agnolo Bronzino and other important artists arrived in Pietrasanta at the same time and left several works that are still visible today, such as in the Cathedral of San Martino. Built starting from the 14th century, it is entirely covered in white marble. Above the central portal stands the coat of arms of Pope Leo Inside you can admire various works of art, many of which were commissioned by the Medici. Among these we note the holy water fonts and candelabra by the sculptor Stagio Stagi and the valuable composite pulpit with the pedestal by Lorenzo Stagi. The following belong to the same period: the Tower of the Hours, although its current appearance dates back to 1860, when it was restored in German Gothic style; some alterations in the Convent of Sant’Agostino; the Marzocco Fountain, decorated with a marble bas-relief; and the Column of Freedom.
The itinerary then continues to Seravezza, a charming village set, like a gem, in the imposing rocks of its high mountains. Here the Medici Villa is worth a visit, an exceptional architectural complex consisting of the palace, the stables, the chapel and the garden. The main building of the complex, the palace, was built between 1561 and 1565 by Cosimo I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. It remained the summer residence of the Medici for many years. Today the building is home to the Sirio Giannini Library, the Municipal Historical Archive and the Museum of Work and Popular Traditions of Historic Versilia while the stables house the municipal theater and cinema. The rebuilding of the Cathedral of Saints Lorenzo and Barbara dates back to the same period, which, due to the presence of numerous marble artefacts and polychrome marbles, is considered a true marble museum. The building hides inside a baptismal font sculpted by Stagio Stagi, a richly decorated altar in polychrome marble and a capitular processional cross commonly known as the Golden Cross of Pollaiolo, attributed to Francesco Marti.
In the locality of Azzano, a hamlet of the municipality of Seravezza, there is the Parish Church of the Chapel dedicated to San Martino. Located in a panoramic position, it is entirely made of marble. Very ancient, dating back to before the year 1000, it was embellished in the 16th century with a portico designed by Michelangelo (unfortunately destroyed during the Second World War) and a rose window called “Michelangelo’s eye”. Finally, the itinerary ends in Stazzema, where you can admire the Clock Tower, also known as the Medici Tower. It was built in the 18th century at the behest of the Vicar of Stazzema, which depended on the Medici Grand Dukes.
Photo Gallery © Ville Giardini Medici – Pro Loco Seravezza – NoiTV
