Pistoia and its surroundings: secret Tuscany amidst medieval squares, underground tunnels, and mountain peaks
Friday, June 12, 2026,
Discover Pistoia and its surroundings: from medieval squares and fascinating underground tunnels to the magic of Pinocchio Park and outdoor adventures on the Apennine 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 stayFall 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 weekTravel 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 townTrekking 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 TuscanyThe 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 sleepsVilla dei Fiori - 10 sleepsVilla Alessandra - 10 sleepsCasa al Vento - 6 sleeps
Tuscany Village Festivals 2026: The Tuscanhouses Guide to Experiencing Tuscany Like a Local
Thursday, June 11, 2026,
When Summer Evenings Were Spent Together: Sagre Toscane
Much More Than Just Dinner
When people think of Tuscany, they immediately picture rolling hills, vineyards, medieval villages and historic cities.
All true.
But some of the most authentic experiences you can have during a holiday in Tuscany cannot be found in museums, monuments or travel guides. There is another side of Tuscany that rarely appears in tourist brochures. A Tuscany made of long outdoor tables, laughter filling village squares, children playing until late in the evening, and delicious aromas drifting from temporary kitchens set up beneath large tents.This is the Tuscany of the sagre.
For many international visitors, the concept of a sagra is difficult to translate. It is not a festival, it is not a market, and it is not simply an open-air restaurant. It is something much simpler and much more authentic. It is a community coming together to celebrate a tradition, a family recipe, a local product, or simply the pleasure of being together. And often, without even realizing it, our guests return home remembering these evenings as the most authentic moments of their Tuscan holiday.“Andare a Veglia”: When Summer Evenings Were Spent TogetherTo truly understand the soul of a Tuscan village festival, we need to take a small step back in time.
Long before television, the internet and social media, there was a tradition in the Tuscan countryside called andare a veglia.
After dinner, friends, relatives and neighbours would gather in farm courtyards, beneath vine-covered pergolas or outside the barns. They would tell stories, discuss local events, laugh together and enjoy the long summer evenings.
It did not take much.
A few chairs. A glass of wine. And the desire to be together.Modern village festivals still preserve something of that spirit.
When you sit at a long communal table next to people you have never met before, when you watch volunteers rushing between tables carrying steaming plates of food, and children playing in the square until late at night, you are experiencing a tradition deeply rooted in Tuscany's rural culture of sharing, hospitality and community.
What to Expect from a Real Tuscan Village FestivalIf you are imagining an elegant restaurant with perfectly set tables and flawless service, a sagra is probably not for you.
Village festivals are simple. Sometimes even a little chaotic.
You may find yourself standing in line at the cashier holding a small paper ticket.
You may wait for your number to be called through a crackling loudspeaker.
You may end up sitting next to a local family that has attended the same festival every summer for the past twenty years.
And that is exactly what makes it special.
You will eat at plastic tables or beneath large temporary tents.
You will smell grilled meats and slow-cooked sauces prepared according to recipes handed down through generations.
You will see mothers, grandmothers, volunteers and local associations working together for months simply to keep a tradition alive.
The food will not be "plated".
It will be plentiful. Generous. Prepared with heart. And it will taste like Sunday lunches, village celebrations and cherished family memories.Where Tuscany Truly Meets Its GuestsVillage festivals are simple, genuine and sometimes delightfully chaotic.
You might place your order at the cashier and wait for a cold beer and a perfectly roasted pork shank to magically appear at your white plastic table.
Or you might find yourself balancing a tray full of paper plates while making room among friends, children and grandparents gathered under a large marquee. There are no fixed rules. Sometimes local teenagers will be serving the tables, running back and forth with a smile, hoping to earn a few euros in tips to buy themselves an ice cream later that evening.
Other times you may find yourself sitting next to a complete stranger who, within minutes, is recommending their favourite restaurant, a hidden beach, or the village they insist you absolutely must visit the following day.
The food will not be perfectly presented. It will be abundant. Prepared by the skilled hands of local cooks, mothers and grandmothers who carefully preserve recipes passed down through generations.Perhaps the service will be a little slow.
Perhaps you will have to wait a few extra minutes.
But nobody seems to be in a hurry.
Because a sagra is not simply a place to eat. It is a place to be together. And for a few hours, you too will become part of that community.Discover the Festivals Near Your VillaTo help you find the most interesting events during your stay, we have created dedicated guides for the main areas where we operate.
Village Festivals of the Lucca Area 2026
Events and Traditions between Pistoia and Montalbano 2026 Village Festivals in Vicopisano, Buti and the Valdera Area 2026 (available shortly)Village Festivals of Versilia 2026 (available shortly)Each guide is regularly updated with dates, events and recommendations gathered directly by the Tuscanhouses team and the owners of our villas. Because the people who live here often know about the most beautiful local celebrations... the ones that never appear in tourist guidebooks.And very often, those are the experiences that become the most treasured memories of a holiday in Tuscany.
Have You Found Your Tuscan Home Yet?The village festivals come to an end. The lights are switched off. The squares slowly grow quiet again. But the memories of those summer evenings stay with you forever. Find the perfect villa, farmhouse or apartment for your next holiday and experience Tuscany the way locals do. Because the most beautiful memories are not only about the places you visit, but also about the place you call home during your stay.Explore Tuscanhouses Properties. Your next Tuscan story could begin right here
When people think of Tuscany, they immediately picture rolling hills, vineyards, medieval villages and historic cities.
All true.
But some of the most authentic experiences you can have during a holiday in Tuscany cannot be found in museums, monuments or travel guides. There is another side of Tuscany that rarely appears in tourist brochures. A Tuscany made of long outdoor tables, laughter filling village squares, children playing until late in the evening, and delicious aromas drifting from temporary kitchens set up beneath large tents.This is the Tuscany of the sagre.
For many international visitors, the concept of a sagra is difficult to translate. It is not a festival, it is not a market, and it is not simply an open-air restaurant. It is something much simpler and much more authentic. It is a community coming together to celebrate a tradition, a family recipe, a local product, or simply the pleasure of being together. And often, without even realizing it, our guests return home remembering these evenings as the most authentic moments of their Tuscan holiday.“Andare a Veglia”: When Summer Evenings Were Spent TogetherTo truly understand the soul of a Tuscan village festival, we need to take a small step back in time.
Long before television, the internet and social media, there was a tradition in the Tuscan countryside called andare a veglia.
After dinner, friends, relatives and neighbours would gather in farm courtyards, beneath vine-covered pergolas or outside the barns. They would tell stories, discuss local events, laugh together and enjoy the long summer evenings.
It did not take much.
A few chairs. A glass of wine. And the desire to be together.Modern village festivals still preserve something of that spirit.
When you sit at a long communal table next to people you have never met before, when you watch volunteers rushing between tables carrying steaming plates of food, and children playing in the square until late at night, you are experiencing a tradition deeply rooted in Tuscany's rural culture of sharing, hospitality and community.
What to Expect from a Real Tuscan Village FestivalIf you are imagining an elegant restaurant with perfectly set tables and flawless service, a sagra is probably not for you.
Village festivals are simple. Sometimes even a little chaotic.
You may find yourself standing in line at the cashier holding a small paper ticket.
You may wait for your number to be called through a crackling loudspeaker.
You may end up sitting next to a local family that has attended the same festival every summer for the past twenty years.
And that is exactly what makes it special.
You will eat at plastic tables or beneath large temporary tents.
You will smell grilled meats and slow-cooked sauces prepared according to recipes handed down through generations.
You will see mothers, grandmothers, volunteers and local associations working together for months simply to keep a tradition alive.
The food will not be "plated".
It will be plentiful. Generous. Prepared with heart. And it will taste like Sunday lunches, village celebrations and cherished family memories.Where Tuscany Truly Meets Its GuestsVillage festivals are simple, genuine and sometimes delightfully chaotic.
You might place your order at the cashier and wait for a cold beer and a perfectly roasted pork shank to magically appear at your white plastic table.
Or you might find yourself balancing a tray full of paper plates while making room among friends, children and grandparents gathered under a large marquee. There are no fixed rules. Sometimes local teenagers will be serving the tables, running back and forth with a smile, hoping to earn a few euros in tips to buy themselves an ice cream later that evening.
Other times you may find yourself sitting next to a complete stranger who, within minutes, is recommending their favourite restaurant, a hidden beach, or the village they insist you absolutely must visit the following day.
The food will not be perfectly presented. It will be abundant. Prepared by the skilled hands of local cooks, mothers and grandmothers who carefully preserve recipes passed down through generations.Perhaps the service will be a little slow.
Perhaps you will have to wait a few extra minutes.
But nobody seems to be in a hurry.
Because a sagra is not simply a place to eat. It is a place to be together. And for a few hours, you too will become part of that community.Discover the Festivals Near Your VillaTo help you find the most interesting events during your stay, we have created dedicated guides for the main areas where we operate.
Village Festivals of the Lucca Area 2026
Events and Traditions between Pistoia and Montalbano 2026 Village Festivals in Vicopisano, Buti and the Valdera Area 2026 (available shortly)Village Festivals of Versilia 2026 (available shortly)Each guide is regularly updated with dates, events and recommendations gathered directly by the Tuscanhouses team and the owners of our villas. Because the people who live here often know about the most beautiful local celebrations... the ones that never appear in tourist guidebooks.And very often, those are the experiences that become the most treasured memories of a holiday in Tuscany.
Have You Found Your Tuscan Home Yet?The village festivals come to an end. The lights are switched off. The squares slowly grow quiet again. But the memories of those summer evenings stay with you forever. Find the perfect villa, farmhouse or apartment for your next holiday and experience Tuscany the way locals do. Because the most beautiful memories are not only about the places you visit, but also about the place you call home during your stay.Explore Tuscanhouses Properties. Your next Tuscan story could begin right here
Lucca: The Best Village Festivals in the Lucca Area 2026
Thursday, June 11, 2026,
Tordelli, traditional desserts, porcini mushrooms and authentic Tuscan traditions
If you are planning a holiday in the province of Lucca during the summer, one of the most authentic experiences we can recommend is attending a traditional village festival, known in Italy as a sagra.
From the hills of Matraia to the villages of the Lucca Plain, summer is filled with food festivals celebrating local recipes, regional products and the simple pleasure of spending time together.
To discover why these events are such an important part of Tuscan culture, we also recommend reading our complete guide:
Tuscany Village Festivals 2026: The Tuscanhouses Guide to Experiencing Tuscany Like a LocalJune 2026Homemade Tordelli FestivalSegromigno in Monte
Dates
• June 2 • June 6
• June 13–14
• June 20–21
• June 27–28
One of the most beloved food festivals in the Lucca area, dedicated to the famous Lucchese tordelli served with traditional meat ragù.
Farinata Festival
Marlia
Dates
• June 6–7
• June 13–14
• June 20–21
• June 27–28
A perfect opportunity to discover one of Lucca’s most traditional desserts, prepared according to recipes passed down through generations.Tagliarino Festival
Paganico
Dates
• June 19–21
• June 26–28
• July 3–5
One of the historic festivals of the Lucca Plain, where handmade tagliarini pasta takes centre stage.
Sweet Olive Festival
Matraia
Dates
• June 26–28
• July 3–5
• July 10–12
Surrounded by olive groves and stunning views over the Lucchese hills, this festival celebrates one of the area's most distinctive olive varieties
Porcini Mushroom and Polenta FestivalMassa MacinaiaDates
• June 27–28
• July 4–5
• July 11–12
• July 18–19
• July 25–26
The aroma of porcini mushrooms, steaming polenta and traditional Tuscan cooking makes this one of the most anticipated events of the summer.Zuppa alla Frantoiana FestivalSegromigno in Piano
Dates
• July 4–5
• July 11–12
• July 18–19
• July 25–26
One of the signature dishes of Lucchese cuisine, prepared with simple ingredients full of flavour and tradition.
San Jacopo Village Festival
Lammari
Dates
• July 4–5
• July 11–12
• July 18–19
• July 25–26
A classic Tuscan village celebration where food, music and community come together during warm summer evenings.
Noah’s Ark Festival
Segromigno in Monte
Dates
• August 1–2
• August 8–9
• August 15–16
• August 22–23
• August 29–30
A much-loved local event featuring traditional food, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.
Don't Miss: Montecarlo Wine FestivalMontecarlo (Lucca)
August 28 – September 8, 2026
Among all the events taking place in the Lucca area, the Montecarlo Wine Festival deserves a special mention.
For more than a week, the beautiful medieval village of Montecarlo becomes the heart of Tuscan wine culture, hosting tastings, food stalls, live music and events dedicated to the region’s excellent wines.
If you are visiting Tuscany between late August and early September, this is undoubtedly one of the most charming events in the entire province.
Opening Hours
• Weekdays: 5:00 PM – Midnight
• Saturdays and Sundays: 12:00 PM – Midnight
Recommended Evenings
• August 31
• September 4
• September 5
• September 6
Where to Stay to Explore the Lucca Area
Many of the festivals featured in this guide are located just a short drive from Tuscanhouses properties.
Some of our most convenient villas and holiday homes for exploring the Lucca countryside include:
• Villa Calliope
• Villa Dell'Angelo
• Il Ruscello di Giava• Sunrise• Villa Alberto• Meriggio Barn• Villa Steffy• Furbina• Casale ValentinoFor updated recommendations and local tips during your stay, feel free to contact our team.
We will be delighted to help you experience Tuscany like a local.
From the hills of Matraia to the villages of the Lucca Plain, summer is filled with food festivals celebrating local recipes, regional products and the simple pleasure of spending time together.
To discover why these events are such an important part of Tuscan culture, we also recommend reading our complete guide:
Tuscany Village Festivals 2026: The Tuscanhouses Guide to Experiencing Tuscany Like a LocalJune 2026Homemade Tordelli FestivalSegromigno in Monte
Dates
• June 2 • June 6
• June 13–14
• June 20–21
• June 27–28
One of the most beloved food festivals in the Lucca area, dedicated to the famous Lucchese tordelli served with traditional meat ragù.
Farinata Festival
Marlia
Dates
• June 6–7
• June 13–14
• June 20–21
• June 27–28
A perfect opportunity to discover one of Lucca’s most traditional desserts, prepared according to recipes passed down through generations.Tagliarino Festival
Paganico
Dates
• June 19–21
• June 26–28
• July 3–5
One of the historic festivals of the Lucca Plain, where handmade tagliarini pasta takes centre stage.
Sweet Olive Festival
Matraia
Dates
• June 26–28
• July 3–5
• July 10–12
Surrounded by olive groves and stunning views over the Lucchese hills, this festival celebrates one of the area's most distinctive olive varieties
Porcini Mushroom and Polenta FestivalMassa MacinaiaDates
• June 27–28
• July 4–5
• July 11–12
• July 18–19
• July 25–26
The aroma of porcini mushrooms, steaming polenta and traditional Tuscan cooking makes this one of the most anticipated events of the summer.Zuppa alla Frantoiana FestivalSegromigno in Piano
Dates
• July 4–5
• July 11–12
• July 18–19
• July 25–26
One of the signature dishes of Lucchese cuisine, prepared with simple ingredients full of flavour and tradition.
San Jacopo Village Festival
Lammari
Dates
• July 4–5
• July 11–12
• July 18–19
• July 25–26
A classic Tuscan village celebration where food, music and community come together during warm summer evenings.
Noah’s Ark Festival
Segromigno in Monte
Dates
• August 1–2
• August 8–9
• August 15–16
• August 22–23
• August 29–30
A much-loved local event featuring traditional food, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.
Don't Miss: Montecarlo Wine FestivalMontecarlo (Lucca)
August 28 – September 8, 2026
Among all the events taking place in the Lucca area, the Montecarlo Wine Festival deserves a special mention.
For more than a week, the beautiful medieval village of Montecarlo becomes the heart of Tuscan wine culture, hosting tastings, food stalls, live music and events dedicated to the region’s excellent wines.
If you are visiting Tuscany between late August and early September, this is undoubtedly one of the most charming events in the entire province.
Opening Hours
• Weekdays: 5:00 PM – Midnight
• Saturdays and Sundays: 12:00 PM – Midnight
Recommended Evenings
• August 31
• September 4
• September 5
• September 6
Where to Stay to Explore the Lucca Area
Many of the festivals featured in this guide are located just a short drive from Tuscanhouses properties.
Some of our most convenient villas and holiday homes for exploring the Lucca countryside include:
• Villa Calliope
• Villa Dell'Angelo
• Il Ruscello di Giava• Sunrise• Villa Alberto• Meriggio Barn• Villa Steffy• Furbina• Casale ValentinoFor updated recommendations and local tips during your stay, feel free to contact our team.
We will be delighted to help you experience Tuscany like a local.
Lucca: The Best Village Festivals in the Lucca Area 2026: Read More