Misericordia, Catholic church in Pietrasanta, Italy.

Misericordia is a church located on Via Mazzini in Pietrasanta that houses remarkable frescoes within its compact interior. The building combines traditional architectural elements with modern artistic works from the late 20th century.

The church existed as San Biagio with an adjoining hospital from Pietrasanta's foundation. A company that assisted condemned prisoners and foundlings was based here and became the Confraternita della Misericordia in 1896. At the end of the 18th century the church was also dedicated to Saint Anthony and took its present form.

Fernando Botero created two large panels in 1993 depicting the Gates of Paradise and Gates of Hell in his characteristic voluminous style. These modern artworks create an interesting contrast within the classical architecture of the building.

You will find the church at Via Mazzini 103 in Pietrasanta, near other cultural sites such as the Duomo di San Martino and Museo dei Bozzetti. It is a good idea to visit during daylight hours when there is enough light to fully see the frescoes and artworks.

The church also holds two wooden statues, a Saint Anthony Abbot attributed to Antonio Pardini and a Saint Blaise attributed to Jacopo della Quercia, considered among the finest works made in the Versilia between the late 14th and early 15th century.