Here are some of our recommendations for your visit to the town of Pietrasanta and what to see in the “Little Athens”:
- in Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by beauties such as the Duomo di San Martino, the Church of S.Agostino, the Torre delle Ore, the Colonna del Marzocco, the Monument to Leopoldo II, the Palazzo Pretorio.
- at the Rocca di Sala
- at the Baptistery (or Oratory of San Giacinto)
- in the historic center
- at the Museums: the Museo dei bozzetti and the Museo Barsanti
- The square is spacious and has a rectangular shape, with the backdrop dominated by the hill that houses the walls of the Rocca di Sala. In addition to the artistic beauties and installations, there are bars and many trendy restaurants in the vicinity where it’s worth stopping to grab something to eat. Every first Sunday of the month, there is a weekly market where you can buy antique and modern objects, such as furniture, sculptures, and marble. The Duomo di San Martino stands out among all the other monuments for the whiteness of the white marble as soon as you enter the square: the Gothic-Romanesque style is unmistakable with its three naves and central rose window. Next to it rises the bell tower, a column nearly 40 meters tall, made of brick, dating back to 1520. At the end of the square, on the north side, is the Church and former convent of Sant’Agostino, which houses a lovely Cloister.
- The Rocca, dating back to the Lombard period, and the walls dominate the hill, and the view over the Versilia plain and the coast is beautiful. Next to the Church of Sant’Agostino is the ascent to access it.
- The Baptistery of Pietrasanta dates back to the 17th century, although the only work from that period is the Altarpiece “Eucharist and Adoring Angels” from 1636 by Filippo Martelli. There are also two imposing baptismal fonts, one from 1389 and the other from 1612.
- Continuing the stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, you may come across some works such as “The Warrior” by Fernando Botero in Piazza Matteotti, “The Centaur” by Igor Mitoraj in Piazza Centauro, “The Boxer” by Francesco Messina in via Garibaldi; in the Church of Sant’Antonio in via Mazzini “Hell” and “Paradise,” two frescoes by Botero.
- The Museum of Sketches is located inside the former convent of Sant’Agostino and is a tribute to the artistic processing of marble that has always distinguished Pietrasanta since the 16th century. Here are exhibited the trials that precede the realization of the final marble work, from small-scale sketches to full-size models. Since its opening in 1984, many artists and artisans have decided to donate their sketches and models to enrich the exhibition to about 700 sketches by more than 350 artists, including, just to name a few: Fernando Botero, Igor Mitoraj, Jean Michel Folon, Pietro Cascella, Giò Pomodoro.
- The Barsanti Museum is dedicated to the inventor of the internal combustion engine, Father Eugenio Barsanti, who was a priest in Pietrasanta (1821-1864).
Pietrasanta offers a lot to see, the choices are endless. If you need any guidance, we’ll be happy to assist you, contact us!