Duomo di Pietrasanta: A Marble Masterpiece

The Duomo di Pietrasanta, formally known as the Collegiate Church of San Martino, stands as a testament to the town's rich artistic and religious history. Construction of the church began in 1223, with expansions in 1330 and 1387, when Pope Urban VI designated it a Collegiate Church and granted it a baptismal font. The exterior of the Duomo is clad in local white marble, featuring three aisles and lunettes above the doors depicting the Crucifixion, Deposition, and Resurrection. The right transept doorway showcases St. John the Baptist by Bonuccio Pardini. The facade displays symbols of Pietrasanta, Genoa, and Florence, along with Pope Leo X's coat of arms. The marble rose window is attributed to Riccomanno Riccomanni. The interior follows a Latin cross plan, reflecting various architectural styles due to numerous restorations, most notably in 1627 under Duchess Cristina of Lorena. Altars and marble confessionals date back to this period, with paintings by Florentine artists from the Medici court. Highlights include a wooden Cross from the 1300s, the Madonna of the Sun painting (the town's patron saint), and the marble pulpit crafted by Donato Benti and Lorenzo Stagi. The walls and ceilings were painted by Luigi Ademollo between 1823 and 1825. The adjacent bell tower, left unfinished in brick, houses a remarkable helicoidal staircase. Originally intended to be covered in marble, the tower offers a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the period. Today, the Piazza Duomo, where the church is located, is a vibrant space that combines historical monuments with contemporary art installations.