Enogastronomy and tastes of Tuscany : culinary vacation, cooking classes, wine & oil tours, special tastings

“Little Athens”
Land of artists and marble workers between the Apuan Alps and the sea

This appealing little town is rich in cultured and elite tourism. Pietrasanta is also known as the “little Athens” of the Versilia region thanks to the high concentration of artists that decided to put down roots there. The town also has a long standing tradition of expert marble workers, and the surrounding Apuan Alps remind us of this tradition.

Visitors breathe the Michelangelo-esque air in the workshops of the town, including the Studio Cervietti on via Sant’Agostino, where you will likely encounter artists like Botero, Mitoraj and Gina Lollobrigida, who has for many years concentrated her energies on sculpting. As you meander about the historical center, enjoying the atmosphere of these old-time streets, you’ll find characteristic marble shops which are currently a point of reference for Italian and foreign artists.

You have the possibility to assist an artist in his work in a course dedicated to the sculpture or to visit the spectacular marble caves.

The historic center is quite elegant and visitors find art galleries, fashionable boutiques and prestigious enotecas. Located just a few kilometres away is the Marina di Pietrasanta on the Versilia coastline. In the summer the art galleries and piazzas come to life, and performances begin at the nearby Villa Versiliana parc in Marina di Pietrasanta.

Mountain-bike riders who are up for a challenge may want to continue upwards until they reach the top of the hills behind Pietrasanta to catch a glimpse of the entire Versilia area, reaching Capriglia and Capezzano Monte (m. 400 slope). These breath-taking hamlets are completely nestled amidst olive groves.

You can make a quick trip to Colonnata where you can sample the local "lardo" delicacy which recently obtained the DOP certification.