Salvador Daliance in Pietrasanta of the Apuan Alps in Tuscany, Italy

Local folklore has it that the elite population of Pietrasanta has always spent their summer mornings luxuriating on the golden beaches of Marina di Pietrasanta (on Italy’s west coast near Viareggio) and their afternoons steeped in culture in the town of Pietrasanta (located 3 km inland in the last foothills of the marble-rich Apuan Alps). We followed in their footsteps during the off-season.

This huge beach stretches from Sarzana to Livorno, about 70 km

Beach glass hunting is a hazardous occupation

Pietrasanta is currently hosting a Salvador Dali exhibition with over 100 pieces. Here are Gayle, Jeff and Bosco with the Space Elephant, being photobombed by Fraser

The Duomo di Pietrasanta dates from 1233. The 36 metre tall bell tower was once covered in white marble like the church facade, but now wears only humble bricks

That space elephant looks ready to dance!

These art critics found that their emotional responses the pieces were not always positive, but were often memorable nonetheless

Wonky window on Chiesa di Sant’Agostino, a Romanesque former church turned art gallery

A statue honouring Leopoldo II and his magnificent mutton-chop sideburns

Heading up Via della Rocca (fortress road) for a better view back at the piazza

Piazza Duomo

Jess, Fraser, Jeff and Bosco, part of the way up to the Roman fortress and walls

Guess it’s all about the eye of the beholder

Bosco the eye-rolling beholder with chubby naked Roman centurion