Pistoia: Art, History and Culinary Delights

Pistoia between Gothic Architecture, Urban History and Art

Pistoia offers religious buildings, museums, archaeological insights, nature experiences and culinary activities. At the centre is the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte, considered one of the most outstanding examples of Tuscan Gothic architecture. The frescoes in the church of San Jacopo in Castellare allow visitors to explore the development of local painting between the 13th and 14th centuries. This cultural and historical introduction is complemented by architecture and the history of painting.

Archaeology Beneath the City

Beneath Pistoia, Pistoia Sotterranea is a guided archaeological tour exploring the relationship between the ancient city and water. The Museo dell’Antico Palazzo dei Vescovi features an underground archaeological tour that reconstructs the history of the site from the first Roman settlement, through its establishment in the Middle Ages, to later alterations. The interactive Museo di San Salvatore opened in 2022 after the long and complex restoration of the building of the former church of San Salvatore, presenting the history of the oldest part of the city.

Museums Offering Different Perspectives

At the Museo dello Spedale del Ceppo, a dedicated section focuses on the polychrome glazed Robbiano terracotta frieze above the outer loggia. The Museo del Novecento e del Contemporaneo di Palazzo Fabroni presents the city of Pistoia’s permanent collection of modern and contemporary art and traces the development of art from the 1920s to the present day. Palazzo de’ Rossi houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to artists who have worked in Pistoia since the beginning of the 20th century.

Orchard Park and Zoo

At San Jacopo Orchard Park, visitors can go for a walk, relax, eat fruit and pick it directly from the trees. The Pistoia Zoo is a seven-hectare zoo with more than 400 animals. The two places offer different experiences: the Orchard Park combines time outdoors with fruit from its trees, while the zoo puts wildlife at the centre.

Flavours and Craftsmanship

The “Pistoia, live it and taste it” experience combines visits to Pistoia’s iconic monuments with food tastings and craft workshops. The tastings include “confetti pistoiesi”, “brigidini” from the tradition of the Province of Pistoia, and the special bread “la jacopina”, named after the patron saint San Jacopo. This adds a culinary dimension to the architectural and museum-related themes.

Cycling through the Hills

The easy “Cycling through the Pistoia Hills” bike tour is suitable for everyone, starts at Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia and passes through villages and olive groves. For planning purposes, it brings together culture, underground archaeology, nature, food and a ride through the hilly landscape as distinct interests.

Keep Other Places in Mind

You can also keep the following places in mind: Piastre, Santomato, Sarripoli, Pontelungo, Arcigliano, Ponte Nuovo, Bottegone, Sammommè, Piteccio and Cireglio.

To the main travel overview: Pistoia.