Pietrasanta

Pietrasanta is a town and comune on the coast of northern Tuscany in Italy, in the province of Lucca. Pietrasanta is part of Versilia, on the last foothills of the Apuan Alps, about 32 kilometres (20 mi) north of Pisa. The town is located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) off the coast, where the frazione of Marina di Pietrasanta is located.

Main square of Pietrasanta.
Pietrasanta
Comune
Città di Pietrasanta
Cathedral square with the church of Sant'Agostino in the background.
Coat of arms
Location of Pietrasanta
Pietrasanta
Location of Pietrasanta in Italy
Pietrasanta
Pietrasanta (Tuscany)
Coordinates: 43°58′N 10°14′E
CountryItaly
RegionTuscany
ProvinceLucca (LU)
FrazioniCapezzano Monte, Capriglia, Strettoia (Montiscendi), Traversagna (Pollino), Vecchiuccio, Vallecchia, Solaio, Vitoio, Castello, Valdicastello, Crociale (Ponte Rosso), Africa (Pisanica), Macelli, Osterietta, Marina di Pietrasanta (Fiumetto, Tonfano, Motrone, Focette), Città Giardino (Le Pere)
Government
 • MayorAlberto Stefano Giovannetti
Area
 • Total41 km2 (16 sq mi)
Elevation
14 m (46 ft)
Population
 (31 March 2018[2])[3]
 • Total23,666
 • Density580/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Pietrasantini or Pietrasantesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
55044, 55045
Dialing code0584
Patron saintSts. Blaise and Martin
Saint dayFebruary 3
WebsiteOfficial website

It lies on the main road and rail link from Pisa to Genova, just north of Viareggio.

History

The town has Roman origins and part of the Roman wall still exists.

The medieval town was founded in 1255 upon the pre-existing "Rocca di Sala" fortress of the Lombards by Luca Guiscardo da Pietrasanta, from whom it got its name. Pietrasanta was at its height a part of the Republic of Genoa (1316–1328). The town is first mentioned in 1331 in records of Genoa, when it became a part of the Lucca along with the river port of Motrone, and was held until 1430. At that time it passed back to Genoa until 1484, when it was annexed to the Medici held seigniory of Florence.

In 1494, Charles VIII of France took control of the town. It remained a Luccan town again until Pope Leo X, a member of the Medici family, gave Pietrasanta back to his family.

The town suffered a long period of decline during the 17th and 18th centuries, partially due to malaria. In 1841, Grand Duke Leopold II of Tuscany promoted several reconstruction projects (including the building of schools specially created to teach carving skills, and the reopening of the once famous quarries).

The town then became the capital of the Capitanato di Pietrasanta, which included the towns of Forte dei Marmi, Seravezza and Stazzema (this region became the historical heart of Versilia). The town joined the newly unified Italian Kingdom in 1861.

Main sights
  • Cathedral of St. Martin (Duomo, 13th-14th centuries).
  • Sant'Agostino (15th century), Romanesque style former church, now seat of art exhibitions. It includes remnants of 14th-15th centuries frescoes.
  • The Gothic Civic Tower.
  • Column and Fountain of the Marzocco (16th century).
  • Palazzo Panichi Carli (16th century).
  • Palazzo Moroni (16ht century), home to the local Archaeological Museum.
  • Museo dei Bozzetti, with over 700 sculptures by international artists
  • Musa, the Virtual Museum of Sculpture and Architecture

Culture

The area, like most of Tuscany in general, has long enjoyed the patronage of artists. Pietrasanta grew to importance during the 15th century, mainly due to its connection with marble. Michelangelo was the first sculptor to recognize the beauty of the local stone.

People

Twin towns – sister cities

Pietrasanta is twinned with[4]

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References
  1. "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Istat. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. Data from Istat
  3. "Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018". Istat. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  4. Official website page
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