Pistoia and its surroundings: secret Tuscany amidst medieval squares, underground tunnels, and mountain peaks

Pistoia is a hidden gem that will surprise you with its authenticity, far from the crowds of mass tourism yet incredibly rich in charm. Along with Lucca and Pisa, it completes an unmissable trilogy: find out how to include it in your journey by reading our guide to Tuscany's perfect triangle.

A former Italian Capital of Culture, Pistoia is a city of art enclosed within a ring of ancient walls. It treasures spectacular squares, Renaissance masterpieces, and a surrounding territory that stretches from plant nurseries famous throughout Europe to the peaks of the Apennines.

What to do in the city… for a short stay

• Fall in love with Piazza del Duomo: One of the most harmonious squares in Italy, home to the Cathedral of San Zeno, the octagonal white-and-green marble Baptistery, and the majestic Bell Tower (climb it for a superb view). While here, take a slow break at Sosta Loft 68, an excellent bakery offering a variety of specialties, including brunch, aperitifs, and specialty coffee.
• Have an aperitif in Piazza della Sala: The true heart of Pistoia's nightlife. By day, it hosts the open-air fruit and vegetable market on medieval stone benches; by night, it comes alive with the outdoor tables of bars, wine shops, and traditional restaurants.
• Admire the facade of the Spedale del Ceppo: The facade of this ancient medieval hospital is decorated with a wonderful colored ceramic frieze (a masterpiece from the Della Robbia school). This stunning open-air artwork depicts the Seven Works of Mercy with vivid colors and extraordinary details.

Hidden gems… for those staying a week

• Travel through time with Underground Pistoia (Pistoia Sotterranea): Beneath the ancient hospital of Spedale del Ceppo lies a fascinating underground path. This guided journey through time follows the old bed of the Brana stream, allowing you to discover the city's history from a completely unusual and cool perspective. It is also the longest underground route in Tuscany!
• The "bald" Saint and the silver altar: Inside the Cathedral sits the Silver Altar of Saint James (San Jacopo), an absolute masterpiece of medieval goldsmithing that a young Filippo Brunelleschi also helped create. Pistoia shares a deep bond with Saint James, so much so that it is considered a "little Santiago" for pilgrims.

• The Church of Sant'Andrea and Giovanni Pisano's Pulpit: Do not miss this Romanesque church, which houses one of the greatest masterpieces of Italian Gothic sculpture—a pulpit so expressive and dramatic that it foreshadowed the art of Michelangelo.

Nurseries, fairy tales, and Apennine peaks: heading out of town

• Trekking and skiing on the Pistoia Mountains (Abetone and Doganaccia): For lovers of wild nature and sports, the Pistoia Apennines offer ski resorts in the winter and a dense network of trails for trekking, mountain biking, and relaxing amidst blueberry woods in the summer.
• Become a child again in Collodi (Pinocchio Park): In the municipality of Pescia lies the village of Collodi, where author Carlo Lorenzini spent his childhood. Here, you can visit the historic Pinocchio Park (a 20th-century art and architecture park) and the wonderful Garzoni Garden with its Butterfly House.
• Visit the "green capital" of Europe: Pistoia is world-famous for its plant nursery districts. A guided tour of one of the massive ornamental plant nurseries on the plains will show you how this city exports green beauty all over the globe.

Choose your dream home in Tuscany

The secret to truly experiencing the magic of this authentic corner of Tuscany is having a cozy refuge to return to after a day spent exploring medieval squares, underground paths, or mountain trails. Our properties are carefully selected to offer maximum comfort and a strategic location for experiencing Pistoia and its surroundings.

Here are our recommended properties for your stay:

• Villa dei Fiori - 14 sleeps
• Villa dei Fiori - 10 sleeps
• Villa Alessandra - 10 sleeps
• Casa al Vento - 6 sleeps