Pistoia

Often described as an “authentic” Tuscan city, it is known for its well-preserved medieval center, beautiful architecture, and a local vibe with fewer tourists compared to its more famous neighbors.

Key Highlights and Attractions:

• Piazza del Duomo: The city’s main square and historical center. It is surrounded by the most important civil and religious buildings, including:
  • Pistoia Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Zeno): A Romanesque church housing the relics of the city’s patron saint, St. James (San Jacopo), and a magnificent silver altar.
  • Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte: An octagonal baptistery.
  • Palazzo del Comune (Municipal Palace) and Palazzo dei Vescovi (Bishop’s Palace).
• Pistoia Sotterranea (Pistoia Underground): An underground path that offers a unique look at the foundations and urban evolution of the city over the centuries, located beneath the former Ospedale del Ceppo.
• Ospedale del Ceppo: A historic hospital famous for its Renaissance ceramic frieze by artists like Giovanni della Robbia.
• Church of Sant’Andrea: Home to a famous pulpit carved by Giovanni Pisano.
• Piazza della Sala: A lively square known for its markets and local life.
• Santa Barbara Fortress: A historic fortress now open to visitors.

Culture and Economy:

• Festivals: The city hosts the internationally renowned Pistoia Blues Festival every July in the Piazza del Duomo, and the historical medieval jousting tournament, the Giostra dell’Orso (Joust of the Bear), on July 25th (Feast of St. James).
• Italian Capital of Culture: Pistoia was designated the Italian Capital of Culture in 2017.
• Plant Nurseries: The area around Pistoia is famous throughout Europe for its extensive ornamental plant nurseries, making it a major hub for plant production and export.
• The Pistol: One theory suggests that the firearm known as the pistol may have gotten its name from Pistoia, where it was manufactured in the 16th century.