Pistoia travel guide - Things to do and see in Pistoia, Tuscany
Itinerary Pistoia: Sightseeing tours - bike tours - day tours - wine tours 

Pistoia is a city influenced largely by Romanesque and Gothic style, submontane the Apeninne Mountains and counts today about 92.000 inhabitants. The historical core, built in ring form with several momentous edifices, is remarkably well preserved. Pistoia is well connected between Florence (30 km distance) and Pisa. 

 

Holiday in Pistoia or Tuscany countryside

The Coast line of Tuscany offers many splendid white beaches. A guide to Tuscany's best beaches with reviews and what to do when you're there, chosen by our local experts.

Our portfolio of hand picked rental villas with pool, holiday houses, romantic country houses and cottages, apartments or rooms for rent with a view in Tuscany offers you authentic, charming and private accommodation for a unique holiday experience.

No matter if you favor family holidays, beach holidays, golf holidays, luxury holidays or a pet friendly accommodation, we have the best private rentals in Tuscany available for you!

 

Things to see in Pistoia, Tuscany

The cathedral San Zeno is located at the cathedral square.

 

Ospedale del Ceppo (hospital) – atrium with figurative ceramic tiles.

 

Chiesa della Madonna dell'Umiltà. 

 

Check our insider's travel guide to Pistoia, featuring the best Events of Pistoia, Night Live of Pistoia and sightseeing tours to discover the stunning landmarks, markets, churches, museums and monuments of Pistoia Tuscany

Typical cuisine of Pistoia

Are you planing a day trip to Pistoia or to the tuscany countryside? Please check our travel guide for the best restaurants in Pistoia, wine tasting courses or selected wine tours discovering the most famous tuscan wineries of the Chianti or the Brunello region guided by a certified Tuscan wine sommelier.

The Pistoian cuisine is pristine and indigenous. Typical are: The “Fettunta”, a simple appetizer with slices of white bread, “Crostini di milza“(toasted slices of white bread with milt), the bread soup from Pistoia, Biroldi (blood sausage) and the “Pappardelle al sugo di leper” (Pasta with rabbit ragù). 

 

Among the main dishes are the „Rigaglie” – mainly poultry giblets, “Lepre alla cacciatora” – rabbit hunter’s style, “Finocchiona” – fennel salami and Cioncia – meat ragu or goulash. Desserts are the very famous „Cantucci di Baggiano” (crispy almond biscuits), the “Schiacciata di farina di castagne” (chestnut cake), the “Brigidini di Lamporecchio”, fine and crispy slices made from flour, egg, aniseed and sugar. 

 

Wines from the area are e.g. the “Montecarlo” and the “Bianco della Valdinievole” that you should really taste. 

Indulge your passion for Italian food or life style on a cookery holiday combined with language courses in Pistoia Tuscany and enjoy our hands-on cooking lessons and cookery courses in Tuscany Pistoia.  

Events of Pistoia, Tuscany

In July, highlight is the 25th, medieval knight tournaments (Giostro dell Orso – bear games) are staged in an historical setting. 

 

Pistoia Blues Festival, taking place in July. 

 

Every second Sunday of each month an appealing antiques market takes place. 

 

Every week on Wednesdays and Saturdays a lively farmer’s market takes place.

 

Worth mentioning religious festivities are the one dedicated to the holy Celestina with the start of a balloon in San Marcello Pistoiese in September, the St. Bernard festivity, and the Virgin Mary’s festivity in Serravalle. 

 

There a many gastronomical festivals “Sagre” in and around Pecia that are dedicated to the “cioncia”( a traditional dish with a calf’s head) and the asparagus or beans.  

 

In Montecatini a tourist festival and the “Sagra del Bombolone” (carb) take place in June. Also you can find here an appealing antique’s market. 

 

Things to do in Pistoia, Tuscany

Discover the marvelous countryisde of Pistoia and Tuscany joining a grape harvest festival or olive harvest festival, taking a bicycile tour in Tuscany visiting one of the nature parks or follow up our tracking itinerary.

If you want deeply to relax and re-charge all your energies a Spa journey would be perfect within your Pistoia or Tuscan holiday. Tuscany has many natural hot springs. In most towns there is a modern spa where hot springs water is brought into a swimming pool and you pay a daily ticket to use the pool.

The mountain region around the Abetone mountain pass between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna is one of the oldest and most known holiday and skiing regions in the Apennine Mountains.

 

The beautiful, largely pristine forests at the Abetone are the reason the region is an ideal place for excursions and it is a hiking region all through the year.

 

Moreover mountain bike tours and rides on horses are offered. 

 

At the rivers and streams of the region fishing and also canoeing is possible. 

 

Trekking tours with guides are also offered.

 

Furthermore hang gliding can be organized.

 

The beautiful Val di Nievole valley is famous for its tradition of floristry.

 

Oddities

For example the „Cioccolateria Corsini“: At this chocolate manufactory that looks rather nondescript from the outside, seductive delicacies are produced. Tender chocolate, powdered with red pepper is one of the special secrets of Pistoia.

 

History

Pistorium was founded in the 2nd century BC as a small settlement that served mainly as a supply point for the troops who fought against the Ligurians back then. 

 

Pistorium was completely destroyed by the Ostrogoths in 406 AD. The Byzantines assumed the sovereignty after the reconstruction of the city. The city experienced a short heyday in the 8th century AD under the rule of the Lombards.

 

In the 12th century AD Pistoia expanded quickly as an independent municipality due to a prospering economy. During these times the second town wall was constructed. The city area was thereby quadrupled.  A further development of the city was prevented by different internal fights, rivalries and vendettas with neighboring cities and regions until the 15th century. 

 

With the foundation of the grand duchy Tuscany by the Medici, Pistoia finally lost its independence. A third town wall was built that can still be admired today. In 1927 Pistoia was named capital of the correspondent province. It was not until the mid-19th century that Pistoia started to expand again over the city’s boundaries (town wall). 

 

Economy

The province Pistoia is considered as one of the richest in Tuscany, as numerous metal-working companies and factories settled here over the years. The largest nursery gardens in Europe can also be found here. Meanwhile tourism also constitutes a further important economic factor. 

 

Climate of Tuscany

As all over Italy, in Pistoia the months of July and August are the hottest and driest times. However, depending on the altitude, there can be a cooling wind coming from the Apennines. The months of May and September are ideal for extensive activities in nature because of the moderate temperatures. In March and April, the frequency of rain is relatively high and different strong air currents accompany the weather.

 

The month of October brings often multifaceted weather. In November temperature drops suddenly as a first sign that winter is on its way. Heavy snowfall is often recorded in the mountains of Pistoia starting with the end of December and continuing in January and February.

 

Arrival

By car

The connections are very good; the highway A11 passes Pistoia directly as well as the SS64 and the SS66.

If you want to drive with your car to the city for sightseeing, it is best to park the car at the parking at the Piazza Cellini and use the shuttle from here to the historical center (a round trip costs ca. 1,00 €)

 

By train

The connection to the train station in Pistoia is a good alternative to arrive relaxed at the holiday spot Pistoia.

 

By airplane

The next airports are in Florence (31 km) and in Pisa (73 km). At the airport Florence you can take a bus of the bus line Lazzi that takes you to Pistoia via the highway and you get off at the train station in Pistoia. From the airport Pisa you can take a train in direction Florence and get off at Pistoia. 

 

Local transportation of Pistoia

In Pistoia you can use the buses of service provider Blubus (http://www.blubus.it/ / Tel (free): +39 800 277825 (Italian language)) and Taxis (e.g. Tel +39 0573 509530 (Taxi Amico Pistoia).

 

An alternative is renting bicycles.

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Pistoia

Pistoia travel guide - Things to do and see in Pistoia, Tuscany
Itinerary Pistoia: Sightseeing tours - bike tours - day tours - wine tours 

Pistoia is a city influenced largely by Romanesque and Gothic style, submontane the Apeninne Mountains and counts today about 92.000 inhabitants. The historical core, built in ring form with several momentous edifices, is remarkably well preserved. Pistoia is well connected between Florence (30 km distance) and Pisa. 

 

Holiday in Pistoia or Tuscany countryside

The Coast line of Tuscany offers many splendid white beaches. A guide to Tuscany's best beaches with reviews and what to do when you're there, chosen by our local experts.

Our portfolio of hand picked rental villas with pool, holiday houses, romantic country houses and cottages, apartments or rooms for rent with a view in Tuscany offers you authentic, charming and private accommodation for a unique holiday experience.

No matter if you favor family holidays, beach holidays, golf holidays, luxury holidays or a pet friendly accommodation, we have the best private rentals in Tuscany available for you!

 

Things to see in Pistoia, Tuscany

The cathedral San Zeno is located at the cathedral square.

 

Ospedale del Ceppo (hospital) – atrium with figurative ceramic tiles.

 

Chiesa della Madonna dell'Umiltà. 

 

Check our insider's travel guide to Pistoia, featuring the best Events of Pistoia, Night Live of Pistoia and sightseeing tours to discover the stunning landmarks, markets, churches, museums and monuments of Pistoia Tuscany

Typical cuisine of Pistoia

Are you planing a day trip to Pistoia or to the tuscany countryside? Please check our travel guide for the best restaurants in Pistoia, wine tasting courses or selected wine tours discovering the most famous tuscan wineries of the Chianti or the Brunello region guided by a certified Tuscan wine sommelier.

The Pistoian cuisine is pristine and indigenous. Typical are: The “Fettunta”, a simple appetizer with slices of white bread, “Crostini di milza“(toasted slices of white bread with milt), the bread soup from Pistoia, Biroldi (blood sausage) and the “Pappardelle al sugo di leper” (Pasta with rabbit ragù). 

 

Among the main dishes are the „Rigaglie” – mainly poultry giblets, “Lepre alla cacciatora” – rabbit hunter’s style, “Finocchiona” – fennel salami and Cioncia – meat ragu or goulash. Desserts are the very famous „Cantucci di Baggiano” (crispy almond biscuits), the “Schiacciata di farina di castagne” (chestnut cake), the “Brigidini di Lamporecchio”, fine and crispy slices made from flour, egg, aniseed and sugar. 

 

Wines from the area are e.g. the “Montecarlo” and the “Bianco della Valdinievole” that you should really taste. 

Indulge your passion for Italian food or life style on a cookery holiday combined with language courses in Pistoia Tuscany and enjoy our hands-on cooking lessons and cookery courses in Tuscany Pistoia.  

Events of Pistoia, Tuscany

In July, highlight is the 25th, medieval knight tournaments (Giostro dell Orso – bear games) are staged in an historical setting. 

 

Pistoia Blues Festival, taking place in July. 

 

Every second Sunday of each month an appealing antiques market takes place. 

 

Every week on Wednesdays and Saturdays a lively farmer’s market takes place.

 

Worth mentioning religious festivities are the one dedicated to the holy Celestina with the start of a balloon in San Marcello Pistoiese in September, the St. Bernard festivity, and the Virgin Mary’s festivity in Serravalle. 

 

There a many gastronomical festivals “Sagre” in and around Pecia that are dedicated to the “cioncia”( a traditional dish with a calf’s head) and the asparagus or beans.  

 

In Montecatini a tourist festival and the “Sagra del Bombolone” (carb) take place in June. Also you can find here an appealing antique’s market. 

 

Things to do in Pistoia, Tuscany

Discover the marvelous countryisde of Pistoia and Tuscany joining a grape harvest festival or olive harvest festival, taking a bicycile tour in Tuscany visiting one of the nature parks or follow up our tracking itinerary.

If you want deeply to relax and re-charge all your energies a Spa journey would be perfect within your Pistoia or Tuscan holiday. Tuscany has many natural hot springs. In most towns there is a modern spa where hot springs water is brought into a swimming pool and you pay a daily ticket to use the pool.

The mountain region around the Abetone mountain pass between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna is one of the oldest and most known holiday and skiing regions in the Apennine Mountains.

 

The beautiful, largely pristine forests at the Abetone are the reason the region is an ideal place for excursions and it is a hiking region all through the year.

 

Moreover mountain bike tours and rides on horses are offered. 

 

At the rivers and streams of the region fishing and also canoeing is possible. 

 

Trekking tours with guides are also offered.

 

Furthermore hang gliding can be organized.

 

The beautiful Val di Nievole valley is famous for its tradition of floristry.

 

Oddities

For example the „Cioccolateria Corsini“: At this chocolate manufactory that looks rather nondescript from the outside, seductive delicacies are produced. Tender chocolate, powdered with red pepper is one of the special secrets of Pistoia.

 

History

Pistorium was founded in the 2nd century BC as a small settlement that served mainly as a supply point for the troops who fought against the Ligurians back then. 

 

Pistorium was completely destroyed by the Ostrogoths in 406 AD. The Byzantines assumed the sovereignty after the reconstruction of the city. The city experienced a short heyday in the 8th century AD under the rule of the Lombards.

 

In the 12th century AD Pistoia expanded quickly as an independent municipality due to a prospering economy. During these times the second town wall was constructed. The city area was thereby quadrupled.  A further development of the city was prevented by different internal fights, rivalries and vendettas with neighboring cities and regions until the 15th century. 

 

With the foundation of the grand duchy Tuscany by the Medici, Pistoia finally lost its independence. A third town wall was built that can still be admired today. In 1927 Pistoia was named capital of the correspondent province. It was not until the mid-19th century that Pistoia started to expand again over the city’s boundaries (town wall). 

 

Economy

The province Pistoia is considered as one of the richest in Tuscany, as numerous metal-working companies and factories settled here over the years. The largest nursery gardens in Europe can also be found here. Meanwhile tourism also constitutes a further important economic factor. 

 

Climate of Tuscany

As all over Italy, in Pistoia the months of July and August are the hottest and driest times. However, depending on the altitude, there can be a cooling wind coming from the Apennines. The months of May and September are ideal for extensive activities in nature because of the moderate temperatures. In March and April, the frequency of rain is relatively high and different strong air currents accompany the weather.

 

The month of October brings often multifaceted weather. In November temperature drops suddenly as a first sign that winter is on its way. Heavy snowfall is often recorded in the mountains of Pistoia starting with the end of December and continuing in January and February.

 

Arrival

By car

The connections are very good; the highway A11 passes Pistoia directly as well as the SS64 and the SS66.

If you want to drive with your car to the city for sightseeing, it is best to park the car at the parking at the Piazza Cellini and use the shuttle from here to the historical center (a round trip costs ca. 1,00 €)

 

By train

The connection to the train station in Pistoia is a good alternative to arrive relaxed at the holiday spot Pistoia.

 

By airplane

The next airports are in Florence (31 km) and in Pisa (73 km). At the airport Florence you can take a bus of the bus line Lazzi that takes you to Pistoia via the highway and you get off at the train station in Pistoia. From the airport Pisa you can take a train in direction Florence and get off at Pistoia. 

 

Local transportation of Pistoia

In Pistoia you can use the buses of service provider Blubus (http://www.blubus.it/ / Tel (free): +39 800 277825 (Italian language)) and Taxis (e.g. Tel +39 0573 509530 (Taxi Amico Pistoia).

 

An alternative is renting bicycles.

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