The region of Pietrasanta is crossed by the Via Francigena, which stretched from Luni to Camaiore, and it is therefore hardly surprising that the region is dotted with churches like those of San Stefano at Vallecchia, the Duomo of San Martino and the church of Saints Giovanni and Felicita at Valdicastello.
The church of Vallecchia, the last stop off point before arriving at Pietrasanta, was one of the 35 churches of the Luni diocese. Of ancient origin, the modern day structure still maintains a few 13th century features, such as the lower part of the apse. The façade is quite bare, featuring only a central doorway surmounted with a rose window and gable, which are both recent additions. The interior is divided by three naves and features ancient pillars and columns decorated with Romanesque capitals. Important features include the 14th century statue of the Madonna with Child, two 17th century confessionals made of polychromatic marble, and a 17th century pulpit, richly embellished in the baroque style by sculptor Andrea Baratta of Carrara.
The main square of Pietrasanta gives rise to the Duomo di San Martino, which was erected in the 14th century over the remains of an already existing church. Positioned atop a majestic flight of marble steps, the façade is also carved of marble and divided into three sections by smooth columns that meet at the top, creating pointed arches. The 14th century rose window is said to be the work of Riccomanno Riccomanni. Above the main doorway is a large coat of arms. The 16th century bell tower is 36 metres high and the interior features a latin cross, three naves, a transept and an apse.
Above Pietrasanta, just before Valdicastello is the roman church of Saints Giovanni and Felicita, which used to mark the border between the diocese of Lucca and Luni. First documented in the 9th century, the current building actually dates back the 11th century. The church underwent restoration works at the start of the 15th century, which were supervised by architect Bonuccio Pardini of Pietrasanta, who commissioned the addition of a gothic rose window on the façade. The architrave of the main doorway is mounted with a lunette and has recently been embellished with scenes from the life of Saint Giovanni. Columns embellished with semi-gothic capitals subdivide the three aisles that run down main chamber of the church. The 15th century fresco that decorates the apse is also worth a mention.

Photo: C.Sigma