Pietrasanta, Medieval art commune in Versilia, Italy
Pietrasanta is a town in the Province of Lucca in Tuscany, located on the slopes of the Apuan Alps and a few kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The old town clusters around a central square where the Cathedral of San Martino stands, surrounded by narrow streets and workshops processing marble and bronze.
The settlement was founded in 1255 from the fortress of Rocca di Sala and later came under the control of Genoa, then Lucca. In the 16th century it passed to Florentine rule and became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
The name combines "pietra" for stone and "santa" for holy, reflecting the centuries-old relationship between craft and spirituality in this area. Artists from around the world come here to work directly on their pieces, making it a living center for sculpture today.
The center can be explored on foot, with most galleries and workshops located close together. Many studios open their doors to visitors who wish to watch craftspeople at work.
The Museo dei Bozzetti preserves over 700 models and sketches by international sculptors who have worked here over the decades. This collection shows the entire creative process from first idea to finished work.
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