Pietrasanta Attractions
Pietrasanta lies on the slopes of the Apuan Alps in northwestern Tuscany. It is the chief town of the Versilia, the coastal region between Massa and Viareggio. Silver was mined in the region until 1590; the main industry is now marble-working.
The town
The main feature of interest in the town, which was founded between 1242 and 1255 by Guiscardo Pietrasanta, Podestà of Lucca, is the Cathedral of San Martino (originally 13th century), with a campanile which remained unfinished. Beside the cathedral is the baptistery, which has a fine font of 1509 by D. Denti. Close by stands the 14th century Church (aisleless) of Sant'Agostino, with a facade relieved by arcading. The adjoining cloister has 17th century frescoes.
In the cathedral square is the Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Versiliese). There are numerous good hotels at Marina Pietrasanta (4km/2.5mi southwest).
The town
The main feature of interest in the town, which was founded between 1242 and 1255 by Guiscardo Pietrasanta, Podestà of Lucca, is the Cathedral of San Martino (originally 13th century), with a campanile which remained unfinished. Beside the cathedral is the baptistery, which has a fine font of 1509 by D. Denti. Close by stands the 14th century Church (aisleless) of Sant'Agostino, with a facade relieved by arcading. The adjoining cloister has 17th century frescoes.
In the cathedral square is the Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Versiliese). There are numerous good hotels at Marina Pietrasanta (4km/2.5mi southwest).
Valdicastello Carducci, Italy
(Near Pietrasanta)
The hamlet of Valdicastello Carducci owes the second part of its name to the poet Giosuè Carducci (1835-1907; Nobel Prize for Literature 1906), who was born here. On the road to Valdicastello is the Pieve (Parish Church) of Santi Giovanni e Felicità, originally founded in the sixth century, altered in the 13th century and subsequently several times restored. It contains 14th century frescoes.
Vallecchia, Italy
(Near Pietrasanta)
The village of Vallecchia has a parish church (Santo Stéfano) of the 12th-14th century, with a 17th century pulpit decorated with reliefs.
