PISTOIA


93.000 inhabitantsThe province of Pistoia is another interesting area to explore.Although archaeological remains have never been found, experts confirm thecity has Etruscan origins. The most famous part of Pistoia is Piazza Duomo, dominated by stunningRomanesque and Renaissance monuments. It represents the geometriccenter of the city.Montecatini Terme and Monsummano Terme are two famous spa townslocated in the province of Pistoia. Montecatini is particularly known becauseits waters are said to be effective in the depurative process of the liver.Abetone is an important ski resort.Pescia is well known in the flower market. Its plant nurseries exportornamental plants all over the world. Endless lines of flower plants border anddecorate the motorway (A11 from Florence to Lucca).Major tourist attractions:
  • Pistoia Cathedral or St. Zeno: the Duomo di Pistoia dates back to the Middle Ages. It was destroyed by fire and later restored. The front part of the Crucifix Chapel was decorated by Brunelleschi with two busts of prophets. They represent sophisticated examples of goldsmith’s art. Tower-bell: the tower-bell was erected in Romanesque style in place of a Lombard tower. It was repeatedly restored, but the fabric we can admire today dates back to 1550.
  • Baptistery of St. John: this gothic baptistery is one of the most evocative buildings in Pistoia. Its polychromy is due to its covering materials, white and green marbles. The designer was the famous Italian artist Andrea Pisano and the monumental baptismal font dates back to 1260.
  • The Palazzo Pretorio: The Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall) and Catiline’s Tower are also worth visiting.
Places to visit:Quarrata, Montecatini Terme, Monsummano Terme , Pescia, Agliana. Abetone, Lamporecchio, Montale, Pieve a Fievole, Ponte Buggianese.

Illustrious people:Giosuè Carducci (Italian writer).

Local dishes:
Lesso rifatto (boiled meat), Trippa (tripe), arista in oil, crostiniwith spleen sauce, funghi trifolati (truffled mushrooms), fagioli al fiasco(beans), cenci (typical carnival fried dough), castagnaccio (poor man’schestnut cake), brigidini (biscuits), confetti a forma di riccio (small, hedgehogshapedalmond sweets with a crisp, sugar coating).

Major events:The Joust of the Bear: The Giostra dell’Orso is a modern twist on thetraditional palio race which takes place on 25th July. During this event, four ofthe city’s rioni compete to win the race.Pistoia Blues: every year in July many Blues singers and bands perform onstage.

Testimonials

  • Shore Excursion from Livorno Harbour to Florence and Pisa

    Santiago Family from POrtorico. Shore Excursion to Pisa and Florence , back to the harbour. Thanks for travelling with us . Read more
  • Flavia Saiad

    After some days in Tuscany , here there are at the Station ready for another Italian's adventure Read more
  • Karen & Jhon from Boston

    E-mail dated back Septmber 2019
    Hi Sylvia - its' hard to believe but in a few weeks it will be a year since our wonderful trip to Tuscany and our three days of touring with you. We've told many, many people about our three days touring with you in Tuscany! We love to tell the story of the guy in the

    ... Read more
  • Judith Wolfe on Behalf of Linda Wolfe October 2018

    Dear Silvia,My customers have returned from their long extended trip to Italy. San Gimignano was their 1st stop.They said the tour you arranged was wonderful and the guide made it especially good, saying that he is one of the best they ever had.They also really enjoyed the lunch stop and view.Thank you... Read more
  • Mrs. Maristela Azevedo

    Hello, Silvia, how are you?
    I’d like to thank you for the great time you gave us!!!We loved everything!
    I told my husband that, the next time, we will rent an apartment in San Gimignano…and you will take us to the wineries…He loved it!
    Thank you very much for everything. It was everything wonderful!!!... Read more
  • Jaime Otero y Jose Carlos Gonzalez Bonilla

  • Shane Quintard

    Ciao Silvia!

    Grazie ancora per il grande tour di Siena e San Gimignano - io e mia moglie e amici aveva un grande momento e che era esattamente quello che speravamo! La cantina è stata una scelta eccellente, come pure! Abbiamo lasciato ieri (1 febbraio) e ha fatto arrivare a casa in modo sicuro, nonostante ... Read more
  • Carole Gaddis

    Hi Silvia,  It's so good to hear from you.  We're fine.  We had six days at home after Tuscany and then flew to South Korea for two weeks!  We've just returned, exhausted!
    We had such a great time with you, Silvia.  The tip could never be enough to show our appreciation for your kindness and help.  ... Read more
  • The British Institute of Florence

    Gentile Silvia,  La volevo ringraziare per la sua disponibilità riguardo la gita di sabato.  Le signore le hanno fatto tutte molti complimenti per la sua guida!
    Grazie e a presto,
    Cordiali saluti,
    Liz Read more
  • Mrs Elizabeth ( wedding Planner ) Original Tuscan Wedding

    Ciao Silvia,
    Ecco i complimenti dalle Sposi del 16 Ottobre!!
    Our driver Johnny was so awesome!  He drove us all over the Chianti region.  He took us to a few wineries and we had a private tour of one of the wineries including a wine tasting and oil tasting.  He even took us into a store with a cellar ... Read more