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:
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.
- 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.
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.