Visit Santa Maria Maggiore in Pietrasanta and Lapis Museum

The Santa Maria Maggiore in Pietrasanta complex is an interesting mix of centuries of Neapolitan history and legends related to its construction as requested by Pomponio, back in the 525, on the remains of the temple of Diana.

The Pietrasanta complex also houses the Lapis museum and the water museum

The cathedral of the Santa Maria Maggiore in Pietrasanta was built on an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Diana, whose devotees were labeled as “janare”, that is witches, devil’s disciples. That’s why the bishop Pomponio decided to build on that cursed site a place of worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary, that could oppose the demonic influence that every night used to take the shape of a pig with horrific features. 

The Pietrasanta’s cathedral was the first one to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary, even if it got its name from another legend, according to which inside the church there is a magical stone that gives indulgence to those who kiss it. 

The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Pietrasanta dates back to the 17th century as it was completely reconstructed by Cosimo Fanzago after several earthquakes. The bell tower is the only Romanesque style element. 

The complex includes two chapels: the Cappella Pontano and the Cappella del SS Salvatore dating back to 1150. 

The crypt is particularly important; it keeps the remains of some domus (houses) and objects from the Roman period. Moreover, there is an underground path where the tunnels of the Greco-Roman aqueduct intersect; here, you can see the rainwater tanks that supplied water to the entire city. That is why right in the bowels of the cathedral there is the Museo dell’acqua (Water Museum) by Lapis museum. 

Nowadays, the Pietrasanta complex is a true museum where exhibitions and cultural events are held.