Pisa

Pietrasanta and Versilia

In common parlance Versilia is the Lucca coast between Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio, one of the most exclusive seaside areas in Italy. Originally, however, it only applied to the vicariate of Pietrasanta, its old capital. To understand the form of the town, climb to the Rocca di Sala, the highest point in the ring of walls. First you see the ancient Via Francigena, which in the Middle Ages accompanied pilgrims from all over Europe on their way to Rome; today it is the urban stretch of the Via Aurelia and cuts the old centre in two. Then comes the chequerboard of the district founded in the 13th century, opening in the centre into Piazza del Duomo and a marble building that remains true to the local talent for sculpture in both its exterior and interior. The view is remarkable and justifies the title of ‘noble city’ bestowed on it by Ducal decree in 1841. Finally, towards the sea is the Parco della Versiliana, offering a beautiful stroll through the pine grove to the beach at all times of the year; in summer, it show an artistical, theatrical and cultural spectacle that alone is worthy of another visit.

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