Pietrasanta, Italy: The Ultimate Destination for Art Lovers Seeking Classic and Modern Works

Pietrasanta is located just a few kilometres from Forte dei Marmi, in the Ligurian coastal area. With origins dating back to the Middle Ages, it was founded in 1255 by Guiscardo da Pietrasanta, the leader of Lucca, and once served as the ancient capital of the Medici headquarters in Versilia. Over the centuries, it has grown into a charming town with a population of more than 20,000 inhabitants.

When we were planning our summer trip to Tuscany, we found little information about Pietrasanta and, as a result, didn’t initially consider visiting. However, one evening, we decided to head there for dinner after Google Maps suggested a number of Italian restaurants in the town. The moment we entered the historic centre, we were completely captivated by the artworks, the lively piazzas, the beautiful churches, and the welcoming evening atmosphere. The town’s charm completely stole our attention.

One of the real highlights of Pietrasanta is its wealth of art galleries and the stunning street art pieces scattered throughout the town. The combination of contemporary creativity and historic beauty makes Pietrasanta a hidden gem, well worth exploring further.

  • Historic Landmarks in the Heart of Pietrasanta
  • A Hub of Bars and Restaurants in the Town Centre
  • Streets Lined with Art Galleries and Boutique Shops
  • The Bozzetti Museum and the Museum of Sketches
Restaurants in Pietrasanta, Italy
Seafood salad

Historic Landmarks in the Heart of Pietrasanta

The Cathedral of San Martino

Dating back to the 14th century, the Cathedral of San Martino stands proudly overlooking the beautiful Piazza Duomo. Its magnificent rose window, set in the marble façade, is truly striking and a key feature of the cathedral’s grandeur.

The Bell Tower

In contrast to the ornate Cathedral of San Martino, the 36-metre-tall Bell Tower has a more understated appearance, with its simple brickwork. It was once adorned with marble plates, adding to its former splendour.

Sant’Agostino

Once a church, Sant’Agostino now serves as a vibrant venue for art exhibitions and cultural events. The church itself features a single nave and an unusual entrance, while three rounded arches, supported by pilasters, add character to the space. The pilasters frame twelve walled-up spans, a unique architectural feature that adds to the church’s charm.

Palazzo Moroni
The Catherdral of San Martino

Baptistery of Pietrasanta

The Baptistery of Pietrasanta, also known as the Oratory of San Giacinto, is truly a masterpiece. Built in the 17th century, it houses the only surviving altarpiece from that era. The interior is a visual delight, with beautiful frescoes, medallions, and a collection of exquisite sculptures that add to its artistic allure.

Palazzo Moroni

Adjacent to the Cathedral of San Martino stands the elegant Palazzo Moroni. This remarkable building, with its double staircase at the front, was once two separate 17th-century houses. Today, it houses the Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Historical Archives, making it an important cultural site in the heart of Pietrasanta.

City Hall and City Tower

Just outside the main square, Piazza Duomo, lies the City Hall, built around 1530. The City Tower, located between two buildings, takes on its current form from 1860. The tower is flanked by a bar and a café, offering a lovely spot to relax while taking in the historic surroundings.

The Bell Tower next to the Cathedral of San Martino
Three large marble arches inside of Sant'Agostino, Pietrasanta

A Hub of Bars and Restaurants in the Town Centre

Finally, our attention shifted from the historic buildings to the menus displayed outside the restaurants. Our stomachs began to rumble, as the offerings looked incredibly tempting. It was already past 8:00 PM, and we noticed many Italians arriving, dressed smartly, and filling the eateries.

We felt a little self-conscious, as we hadn’t had time to change after our day trip and were looking rather weary and hungry. A few other tourists seemed to be in the same situation. Despite this, all the waiters greeted us with warm smiles as we approached their restaurants.

There are so many top-notch Italian restaurants and bars to choose from, each more inviting than the last. Every restaurant boasts a colourful outdoor seating area, making them all the more alluring. Based on the names of the eateries, we decided on a seafood restaurant. The seafood pasta arrived piled high with seafood—more than we could have ever expected. Our starters of fresh seafood were perfectly prepared, and the tuna steaks arrived in generous portions—5 or 6 thick, tender pieces of tuna. Despite how freshly made the dishes were, there was hardly any waiting time. The quality and quantity of the food were exceptional.

Seafood salad
A piece of art creation on the public street, Pietrasanta

Streets Lined with Art Galleries and Boutique Shops

After dinner, we took another leisurely stroll through the side streets. To our surprise, we discovered the true charm and uniqueness of the town. The central stretches of Via G. Garibaldi and Via Stagio Stagi are lined with a delightful mix of fine art galleries and boutiques. These range from classic and contemporary art galleries to craft studios, such as a workshop specialising in handmade shoes, as well as boutiques offering interior design pieces and wine bars. Most of these places stay open late into the evening, so visitors can continue exploring even after their long dinners.

Along these two streets, many seating areas are set out next to each shop, inviting passers-by to take a break. The locals enjoy sitting there, chatting with friends and neighbours late into the night. It’s the perfect spot to pause and soak in the atmosphere. Without a doubt, one could easily spend a couple of hours wandering these charming streets, discovering something new at every turn.

A gallery for home design,Designer's Shop in Pietrasanta, Italy
Public sitting places outside of shops

The Bozzetti Museum and the Museum of Sketches

Pietrasanta boasts two must-see museums for art lovers:

The Bozzetti Museum, located at Via Sant’Agostino c/o Centro Culturale Luigi Russo, 55045 Pietrasanta, is dedicated to marble sculpture, showcasing models and sketches behind famous works.

The Sketches Museum Pierluigi Gherardi, at Via Sant’Agostino 1, 55045 Pietrasanta, offers a fascinating collection of sketches from various artists.

Pietrasanta is a perfect destination for both classic and contemporary art lovers. For centuries, it has been a centre for marble craftsmanship and a haven for artists worldwide. Recently, the town has become an open-air museum, with sculptures adorning its streets and piazzas—like the stunning metal tree we saw glistening in the sunset.

Travel Tips for visiting Pietrasanta

The best way to reach Pietrasanta is by car. If you’re coming from Florence, simply take the A11, followed by the A12, and exit at Versilia.

Pietrasanta is well connected to other Italian cities, making it easy to explore the region. You can easily book tickets online for trains and buses.

There are also buses that run to and from other Tuscan cities, providing convenient access for visitors.

The closest airport is Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport, located just 45 km away, offering a quick and easy route into the area.

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