Pietrasanta - art and marble

Pietrasanta: the capital of contemporary sculpture
Pietrasanta is one of the most interesting destinations in Versilia for lovers of art, craftsmanship and culture. The medieval old town coexists with galleries, marble and bronze workshops, and contemporary installations, creating a highly inspiring creative environment for those with the soul of a poet, writer or photographer. What’s more, this town is close to Forte dei Marmi and the beaches of Versilia, should you fancy spending a few days soaking up the Tyrrhenian Sea and basking on Tuscany’s fine sandy beaches.
Piazza del Duomo and the sculptures
The best way to start your visit to Pietrasanta is to stroll through the historic centre to Piazza del Duomo, the city’s monumental heart. Some of the most important buildings are concentrated here, including the Cathedral of San Martino, whose construction began in the 13th century.
The white marble façade is one of the town’s symbols and reflects the link between the town and the tradition of stonemasonry. Inside, you’ll admire works of art and decorations that bear witness to the area’s long religious and artistic history. Next to the Cathedral are the Baptistery, the Bell Tower and other historic buildings.
The most distinctive feature of this town is that art is not confined to museums. Whilst strolling through the streets or squares, you’ll come across contemporary sculptures installed everywhere and completely free of charge – in the sense that you don’t have to pay to admire them.
The Visual Arts Centre, private galleries and exhibition spaces host exhibitions dedicated to Italian and international artists. This is why the city is known as one of the world’s capitals of contemporary sculpture.
The city’s calendar of events is particularly packed. Throughout the year, the city centre hosts exhibitions of sculpture, photography and painting, as well as temporary installations, presentations and meetings with artists.
Summer is one of the best times to visit. The squares become venues for cultural events, concerts and performances. Before you set off, it’s advisable to check the official calendar, as temporary exhibitions change frequently.
Marble workshops and the Museum of Sketches
To truly understand Pietrasanta, you need to step into the world of its workshops. For generations, sculptors and craftsmen have been working with marble and bronze, collaborating with artists from all over the world. In addition, hands-on workshops are organised for tourists or anyone else interested in working directly with these materials. In short, in just a few days you can learn ancient techniques and take home a piece that you have crafted and worked on yourself.
Visiting a workshop allows you to observe certain stages of the process up close: from modelling the design to creating the sculpture, right through to polishing and finishing.
Among the recommended cultural experiences is the Museum of Sketches, dedicated to the preparatory models for sculptures. Here you’ll find works and sketches created by numerous artists who have worked here. The museum is significant because it reveals a phase of the creative process that is often hidden: before the large marble or bronze sculpture comes into being, there is an idea, a small model, a study of proportions.
After visiting museums and exhibitions, it’s well worth stopping off in the historic centre, as the squares fill with people and the bars and restaurants offer aperitifs and Tuscan cuisine. An evening stroll will also treat you to the sight of the illuminated sculptures.