Pietrasanta

Piestrasanta
Comune
Città di Pietrasanta

Cathedral square with the church of Sant'Agostino in the background.

Coat of arms
Piestrasanta

Location of Piestrasanta in Italy

Coordinates: 43°58′N 10°14′E / 43.967°N 10.233°E / 43.967; 10.233Coordinates: 43°58′N 10°14′E / 43.967°N 10.233°E / 43.967; 10.233
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Province / Metropolitan city Lucca (LU)
Frazioni Capezzano 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
 • Mayor Massimo Mallegni
Area
 • Total 41 km2 (16 sq mi)
Elevation 14 m (46 ft)
Population (1 January 2009[1])
 • Total 24,826
 • Density 610/km2 (1,600/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Pietrasantini or Pietrasantesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 55044, 55045
Dialing code 0584
Patron saint Sts. Blaise and Martin
Saint day February 3
Website Official website

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).

The Pietrasanta Marina, with golden sand and luxurious equipment, is considered one of the best beaches of Italy.

Main square of Pietrasanta.

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

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.

Notable people

Twin towns – sister cities

Pietrasanta is twinned with[2]

References

  1. ↑ Data from Istat
  2. ↑ Official website page


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