According to some, Pistoia is like a "little Florence" with an enormous amount of art and beauty inside. Although it is less known than other cities such as Pisa or Lucca, Pistoia is a delightful center where you can stroll in peace, admiring amazing monuments and the architectural traces of a flourishing past. Observing the medieval palaces, the main squares and the lovely buildings, you can retrace the history of the city and discover its smallest details. Fall in love with every glimpse of this stunning Italian town!
If you love nightlife, art and the charm of small Tuscan centers, Pistoia is the ideal destination for you! It is located halfway between Pisa and Florence and is the perfect place to have a holiday in Tuscany.
But what are the best things to see in Pistoia? Read on and discover the list of the most beautiful attractions you can find in this city!
1. Cathedral of San Zeno and Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is certainly the center of city life. The main monument is the Cathedral of San Zeno, a building erected on Roman ruins which is also the oldest building in Pistoia. The Cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, but it only acquired its present appearance in the 14th century. The magnificent marble facade is made of white and green serpentine marble and features columns, arches and artistic decorations.
2. Battistero di San Giovanni
The baptistery of San Giovanni is located in the center of Piazza del Duomo and has a charming Gothic style, with decorations in white and green marble. It has an octagonal plan and is covered with a dome frescoed by the famous artist Andrea Pisano. Inside the baptistery, it is also possible to admire a baptismal font from the 13th century.
3. Piazza della Sala
While Piazza del Duomo can be considered the artistic and historical center of the city, Piazza della Sala is certainly the commercial and social spot. It is one of the oldest squares, where the city market has been taking place for centuries. In the morning, the square is filled with the voices and noises of those who go to the market to shop, while in the afternoon the atmosphere is pleasant and quiet. During the night, the square comes alive with hundreds of people flocking to its bars to have an aperitif or to meet their friends!
4. Palazzo del Comune
Palazzo del Comune is the seat of political power in Pistoia, which has resided there since 1294. The building was completed in 1348 and is also known as Palazzo di Giano, the name of the Podestà who commissioned its construction. The plan of the building is rectangular and the austere facade has important arches with mullioned windows and three-mullioned windows. It is an impressive building that today houses the beautiful Municipal Museum, full of Italian works of art created between 1200 and 1800.
.
5. Ospedale del Ceppo
The ancient Ospedale del Ceppo is located in Piazza Giovanni XXIII and was founded in the 13th century, when it played an important role for the community during the period of the Black Plague. The beautiful facade has many decorations, some of which are made by Benedetto Buglioni and Giovanni della Robbia, two famous terracotta decorators in Italy. Its frieze is, in fact, very famous: the beautiful scenes portray the theological and cardinal virtues and shed light on the theme of assistance and Mercy.
6. The Zoo of Pistoia
The Pistoia zoological garden is a must! The zoo is home to an incredible variety of animals, which come from all over the world. It is a unique place to introduce the little ones to new exotic breeds and to spend a pleasant afternoon with their family! It is located only 15 minutes from the center of Pistoia and is certainly one of the most fun places to discover with children.
Are you looking for a holiday home for rent near Pistoia? Discover more about Antico Fienile, one of our beautiful properties for rent near Pistoia!
© Alice Pilastri
