Pietrasanta is a pretty town 3 kilometres inland from the sea on the Versilia coast north of Pisa. It has Roman origins and part of the Roman wall still exists. It is also one of my favourite towns to visit.
Pietrasanta grew to importance during the 15th century, mainly because of the local marble. Michelangelo was the first sculptor to recognise the beauty of the local stone. The town now has 50 marble workshops and bronze foundries. It has attracted many artists, including Fernando Botero, Joan Miro, Henry Moore and Damien Hirst.
The main piazza is surely one of the loveliest in Italy. There is usually an art installation in the piazza but on a recent visit the piazza was empty.
Part of the old wall is visible on the hill behind the town.
The church and campanile are stunning.
I have been visiting Pietrasanta for about 15 years and I have watched the town grow. The lovely streets are lined with beautiful shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries, making it an interesting place to be.
The entrance to the main street.
One of the old portals.
There is art all over the town, old and new.
There are great shops and galleries.
One of the most beautiful decorating shops I have seen anywhere is Emanuela Marchesini in Via Garibaldi.
As well as this shop they have a bigger space just outside the centre. This is an absolute treasure trove of wonderful vintage and modern pieces.
Find treasures tucked into tiny chapels. This is a baptismal font originally in the cathedral. It dates from the 16th century.
The hexagonal font from 1389 was used for 2 centuries before full immersion baptisms.
Lots of places to eat and drink.
We have a favourite restaurant where we go regularly, Ristorante Quarantuno, in Via Stagio Stagi, 41. Here are they are waiting for us to appear.
I think it is easy to see why I like to visit Pietrasanta often.
Pietrasanta looks a treasure trove & a place to visit. Everything covered – beautiful shops & galleries and the statues alone would alone be enough to spend time there. Love your Post.
By: Camillus Davall on October 23, 2024
at 9:27 pm
You can see why I keep going back!
By: Debra Kolkka on October 24, 2024
at 5:58 am
Aaah it’s so beautiful-you introduced me to this treasure years ago I have returned many times – truly gorgeous on all levels history, art, food – thanks
By: Helen close on October 23, 2024
at 10:01 pm
I am happy that Pietrasanta is not far from Bagni di Lucca.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 24, 2024
at 6:02 am
We loved visiting Pietrasanta often after you took us there for the first time Deb. Loved seeing the art installations in the piazza and the lunches were always fabulous. On the bucket-list to revisit one day.
By: Kerry & Jim on October 23, 2024
at 11:44 pm
There is always something interesting to see in Pietrasanta.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 24, 2024
at 7:59 am
Such a lovely town – gets better and better –
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on October 24, 2024
at 12:10 am
It does, the town seems to be thriving.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 24, 2024
at 8:48 am
I love the photo of the waiting staff! And pretty much everything else too
By: Jan on October 24, 2024
at 5:05 am
Pietrasanta is a treasure.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 24, 2024
at 3:11 pm