Tuscany’s best-kept secret, Pistoia is wedged between Florence and Lucca and brimming with architectural wonders and natural beauty. Home to many great artists, like Marino Marini and Giovanni Michelucci, the culture-rich city is, surprisingly, not on tourist radars, making it a safe haven for thriving flora and fauna. Tread down the unbeaten paths that lead to this hidden gem in Italy, and you’ll find yourself revelling in the beauty of this enchanting land that is packed with historical buildings, medieval churches, quaint cafes, gorgeous alpine surroundings, and much more. Here are the 10 best things to do in the area!
1. Piazza Del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo - Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy
Posted by Art&Art Magazine on Friday, 23 June 2017
A lot of beauty in just one square: Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia is worth a visit. http://bit.ly/2lzvtMh
Posted by L'Italo-Americano Newspaper on Sunday, 19 February 2017
The Piazza forms the heart of the city. Located centrally, this vibrant square is thrumming with people, festivities, and exudes a general air of good vibes. Surrounded by some of Pistoia’s prized historical possessions - the baptistery, the cathedral, Palazzo dei Vescovi, and Palazzo Pretorio - this landmark is a must-visit, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which are also market days, and a great way to savor the Tuscan culture. Additionally, Piazza Del Duomo is always buzzing with concerts, festive bazaars, and numerous local events. A must-visit, this magical center is where you can take languid strolls and take in the stunning architecture, or simply savor a cup of coffee (that are extremely cheap) and watch the world go by.
Piazza Del Duomo
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
2. Cattedrale di San Zeno (Cathedral of San Zeno)
L’Altare argenteo di San Jacopo è un capolavoro di oreficeria sacra medievale e si trova all’interno della Cattedrale di...
Posted by Cinzia Melani on Friday, 7 July 2017
18) Pistoia - Cattedrale di San Zeno - Facciata
Posted by Simone Magli, oltre lo sguardo on Sunday, 4 September 2016
Dedicated to Saint Zeno of Verona, this religious masterpiece is reason enough to take a detour to Pistoia. Standing tall in Piazza del Duomo, the 12th-century church, with three doorways and seven-arched portico, boasts stunning decors of majolica and glazed marble. To its left stands a campanile, which may have been a watch-tower base and is now the city’s emblem. Known as Campanile della Cattedrale, the tower offers a bird’s eye view of the whole square. To the right is a 1337 Sienese work of art - the Tomb of Cino da Pistoia. A doorway off the main entrance leads you to the dazzling Cappella di San Iácopo, which houses the Altarpiece of St James - a shining example of silversmithing.
Cathedral of San Zeno
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
Website: Cathedral of San Zeno (in Italian)
Tip from tour guide
Pistoia is full of surprises and hidden treasures and you can find some of them in Cattedrale di San Zeno. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century, maybe even earlier, and the facade was changed many times. Still, it's truly fascinating with its Romanesque features and typical white-green marble inlaid. Above the central entrance, you can admire the terracotta glaze decoration by Andrea della Robbia. Inside, there are many treasures of art to discover, such as the impressive altar of Saint James or the crucifixion by Coppo di Marcovaldo. You can also spot a very rare scene of medieval-style teaching. It was probably sculpted in 1337 by Agostino di Giovanni for the tomb of Cino da Pistoia, an important jurist and poet.
3. Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery)
The Baptistery, located once again in the busy Piazza, is yet another stunning creation of the 1300s. Built to the intricate designs of Andrea Pisano, by Cellino di Nese, the building exterior looks striking in its alternate bands of white and green marbles. The main doorway houses a beautiful figure of Madonna and, above it, you can see glorious artwork depicting the life of John the Baptist. With its interiors further glorified by the figures of St. Peter and John the Baptist, along with Lanfranco da Como’s 13th-century font, the Baptistery is definitely an artist’s delight.
Baptistery
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
Website: Baptistery (in Italian)
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4. Museo dell'Antico Palazzo dei Vescovi (Bishops' Palace)
The massive rectangular building is connected to the cathedral and, in fact, houses the same in its basement. Sitting on the southern side of Piazza del Duomo, the Bishops’ Palace was originally built in the 11th-century for the then bishop’s residential use and now stands as a converted palace having undergone a series of changes and restorations. The Gothic-style building is a treasure trove of sacred vestments and vessels from the cathedral, such as the famous S. James’ reliquary and Giovanni Pisano’s wooden sculpture of the Angel holding the Baptist’s head. But the main highlight is L'Arazzo Mille Fiori or Thousand Flowers Tapestry - an enchanting cloth showcasing mythical creatures amid flower-filled meadows. A holy grail of information for the historians, the palace is not to be missed.
Bishops' Palace
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
5. Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia (Zoo of Pistoia)
Stamani, prima della pioggia...#buongiorno ! #elefante #gzp #giardinozoologicopistoia #pistoiacapitaledellacultura2017 #pistoia #elephant #nuovaarea #goodmorning
Posted by Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia on Friday, 14 July 2017
If you need a breather from history and culture, head to the city’s zoological park set in the hillside on the outskirts of Pistoia. Spanning over forest land, the Zoological Gardens of Pistoia are home to more than 400 species and aims to raise awareness of biodiversity and conservation activities. Plan a day trip to this beautiful property which also doubles up as an educational one for the kids while having lots of fun. The highlights of the park are the lions, elephants, lemurs, wolves, reptiles, and the delightful penguins. What makes the day even more exciting is the interaction with these beautiful animals and picnicking on the well-kept grounds.
Pistoia Zoological Garden
Address: Via Pieve a Celle NUOVA, 160/A, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
Website: Pistoia Zoological Garden
6. Fattoria di Celle (Villa Farmhouse of Celle)
Fausto Melotti: Tema e variazioni II
Posted by Collezione Gori - Fattoria di Celle on Friday, 7 July 2017
The vast stretch of the property showcases the 15th-century villa of a local businessman and his passion for art. His extraordinary private collection is spread across the expansive family estate, which also includes an aviary, a teahouse, along with the huge collection of 19th-century pieces of art, including the Gori Collection. All this when paired with cutting-edge installations makes for a compelling tourist hotspot. Art lovers eager to explore the full length and breadth of this park need to make a booking 30 days in advance for a guided 5 km (3 mile) hike around the estate, with almost no rest stops. So pack those walking shoes along with comfy clothes.
Fattoria di Celle
Address: Via Montalese, 7, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
Website: Fattoria di Celle
7. Basilica della Madonna dell'Umiltà (Basilica of Our Lady of Humility)
In 1563, Giorgio Vasari was given the task of replicating the magnificent cupola of the famous Florence Duomo, to house the stunning fresco of Madonna herself, which now sits behind the high altar. Emulating the Medici Chapel, this modest building is a large, octagonal space with impressive decor and huge paintings dotting the walls, while the centerpiece - a beatific Madonna sitting on the ground and feeding her baby - evidently garners all the attention. Legend has it the fresco shed real tears back in 1498, thus making it an object of devout worship.
Basilica della Madonna dell'Umiltà
Address: Via della Madonna, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
8. Ponte Sospeso di San Marcello Pistoiese (suspended bridge)
Conosci il Ponte sospeso di San Marcello Pistoiese? Scopri perché è famoso: http://bit.ly/PontiToscana
Posted by Visit Tuscany It on Wednesday, 3 August 2016
Kabantis tiltas pakeliui, Ponte sospeso di San Marcello Pistoiese
Posted by UnseenTuscany.com on Monday, 27 July 2015
Essentially a pedestrian walkway between Popiglio and Mammiano Bass, this suspended bridge is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine mountains from atop a river canyon. A scenic drive leads you to this unique bridge. While it’s safe to walk this engineering marvel made of iron-grid, it’s not a good idea if you suffer from vertigo, as the perforated walkway provides a free view of ‘what lies beneath’. With free parking and restaurants close by, it is nonetheless, a rather thrilling walk amid brilliant scenery.
Ponte Sospeso di San Marcello Pistoiese
Address: Via Anghiari, 195, 51028 San Marcello Pistoiese PT, Italy
9. Museo Civico di Pistoia (civic museum)
Artista del XVIII secolo, Pistoia, Prato di San Francesco con la chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena al Prato (oggi non più esistente), Museo Civico, Pistoia, olio su tela #Italy
Posted by Storie dell'arte on Tuesday, 2 June 2015
Museo Civico Pistoia
Posted by Fabrizia Arduini on Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Located in Piazza del Duomo, this historical building is yet another feather in the city’s cap, lending its individualistic old-world charm to the already vibrant town square. Showcasing brilliant pieces of Florentine art and prestigious Pistoia testimonies that speak volumes about their religious, historical, and architectural links, the civic museum exhibits over 300 works, some sculptures but mostly pictorials. While they may not boast big names of their time, these exhibits are nonetheless extraordinary in their own right and an artist’s delight.
Museo Civico di Pistoia
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 1, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
Website: Museo Civico di Pistoia
10. Magno Gaudio
Posted by MagnoGaudio on Monday, 16 May 2016
Prove.....! in un caldo pomeriggio d'estate! @La Dolce Peonia
Posted by MagnoGaudio on Wednesday, 19 July 2017
E' vero la Befana porta via con sé tutte le feste, ma non è mai passato il tempo per concedersi una coccola. Domani in...
Posted by MagnoGaudio on Saturday, 7 January 2017
No trip to Italy is complete without food! Magno Gaudio is a must-visit while traipsing about this quaint little town. Hugely popular with the locals, this all-rounder has quite a few imaginative dishes up its sleeve which, along with unpretentious, friendly service, is quite the game changer. Walk into this joint any time of the day - be it for a light breakfast, a heavy meal, or a midday snack - and you won’t be disappointed. The dishes that come highly recommended are the signature tuna carpaccio and the house-special pastas.
Magno Gaudio
Address: Via Curtatone e Montanara, 12, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
Discover Tuscany's best-kept secret - Pistoia
Tourists, and even intrepid travelers, often overlook this picturesque little town at the foot of the Apennines, along River Ombrone. Located in close proximity to popular haunts like Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, Pistoia is an easy day trip from any of these cities. Blessed with breathtaking mountainous landscape filled with forests and woodlands, this hidden gem is also home to a vibrant culture alongside stunning architecture and brilliant artwork. So next time you’re in this part of the globe, a small stopover at Pistoia might just be the most memorable part of your Italian holiday.
Church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Source: Joanna
The church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas is one of my favourite places in Pistoia. The name Fuorcivitas means outside the city, as the church was built outside the town walls. The building assumed its present form between the 12th and 14th centuries. The structure’s white and green façade represents one of the greatest achievements of Pistoia’s Romanesque architectural heritage.
Inside, the church boasts a magnificent pulpit by Fra Guglielmo da Pisa (1270), as well as a glazed earthenware depiction of the Visitation, which is attributed to Luca Della Robbia.
San Giovanni Fuoricivitas
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Source: Joanna
San Giovanni Fuoricivitas is a must-visit in Pistoia. It’s a Romanesque church with gorgeous exteriors and interiors. Here, you can find a masterpiece by Luca della Robbia, The Visitation. Luca della Robbia (1400 - 1481) was one of the most important artists of the early Renaissance in Florence, although his name is primarily associated with the technique of glass ceramics. After many experiments, he managed to discover a recipe for covering clay sculptures with glaze, which gave them weather resistance and a beautiful appearance imitating marble. This technique has enjoyed great success for many centuries. It was cheap, easy to transport, and suitable for serial production. Apparently, the secret of this technique was carefully guarded by his family members and stolen only by a woman.
Luca was not only a ceramicist but also a great artist, and he dedicated his life mainly to the reliefs. He was a brilliant sculptor with great technique and the ability to render tenderness, delicacy, and sublimity.
Chiesa di Sant'Andrea
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Chiesa di Sant'Andrea offers free entry and is a must-visit if you want to check out a masterpiece of medieval art.
When inside, stop by the pulpit, a place designed for reading or liturgical preaching. The work was sculpted by Giovanni Pisano in the years 1298-1301. The structure rests on seven columns made of porphyry. Below the central one, there is a winged lion, an eagle, and a griffin. Two columns rest on lions nursing or eating prey, and one rests on a curved human figure.
The scenes depicted are the Annunciation and Nativity of Jesus with intricate details, the Announcement to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi, the Slaughter of the Innocents, and the Crucifixion with details of Mary’s passing out. You can also see a portrayal of the Last Judgment, where in the middle, we see Christ the judge seated on the throne, on his right, the elect, and on his left, the condemned with demons and monsters. Among the scenes, you can see the sibyls and the various prophets or those who announced the arrival of the Messiah.
The pulpit is full of details, characters, curious elements, and dynamism. Giovanni Pisano had moved away from the classical model of his father, as evident in the style here.
It’s hard to believe that such wonderful work could have been done in the early 1300s.
History
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