A Quiet City, Full of Life
Melissa, John, and Rachel wander through the Little Athens of Italy…
Pietrasanta. A haven for artisans both ancient and modern, the history and passion in this town are palpable. Around every corner this becomes more and more apparent. Magnificent stone works of yesteryear, both architectural and sculpture, surround you as you walk, their cracked and flaking textures telling endless stories of decades passed.
The beautiful historic town is located on the coast of Northern Tuscany, a part of Versilia and the last stop on the foothills of the Apuan Alps. It was founded in 1225 and host one of the region’s most alluring cathedrals, dedicated to San Martino. Rich in history, Pietrasanta was once the home and workshop of legendary artist and sculptor Michelangelo who is said to have designed the unique and geometrically perfect spiral staircase of the cathedral’s bell tower. It has long since been visited by artists from all over the world.
The buildings are tall and the roads are narrow, giving them the feel of a maze. Along the streets are tiny boutiques and contemporary art galleries, each with its own character and distinctive colors and features. On the facades of the more ancient palazzi, each door is unique and appears to contain as much history as the town itself. In the center of town, in the square there is an incredible view of the mountains where the marble that the town is known for is obtained.
Pietrasanta is a masterpiece, artful in the architecture and the people that fill its streets. There are so many amazing textures and colors. As we walk the streets, every corner we were turn there is a special undiscovered treasure just waiting for us. The scenery is visually stunning and gives the chills. We visit the shops, galleries, and restaurants, the owners are eager to share the history of their small piece of Pietrasanta.