Length of Tour: 3 hours
Not far from the more famous destinations in Tuscany lies Pistoia. The beauty of its landscape and its artistic and cultural heritage are a true find, and monuments of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance such as palazzos, porticos, and churches are extremely well-preserved.
The itinerary offers many surprises and with your local guide you will see the following monuments:
Church of Sant’Andrea
The origins of the church go back to the 7th – 8th centuries but it was rebuilt in the 12th century in the Pisa Romanesque style. An imposing marble pulpit, carved by Giovanni Pisano (1298-1301), considered to be his masterpiece, is located in the interior.
Ospedale del Ceppo
The 13th-century hospital has a very particular decorative frieze made of Della Robbia glazed terracotta.
Church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas
The original church dates to the Lombards’ reign with work continuing during the 12th – 13th centuries. Its bands of white and green marble are very characteristic. The interior contains a pulpit from the latter half of the 13th century by Fra’ Guglielmo and works by Taddeo Gaddi and Luca della Robbia.
Piazza della Sala
One of the oldest squares in Pistoia dating to the time of the Lombards. It was, and is still today, the location of commercial activity. Every morning, it comes to life with numerous produce stands. The surrounding streets are full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Special markets are also held here, such as the monthly “Zucca Barucca” dedicated to organic produce and simple crafts.
Piazza del Duomo
This square is the heart of the city and dates to Roman times. The piazza is flanked by buildings that have marked the history of Pistoia: the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo dei Vescovi, Baptistery, and the Cathedral of San Zeno. The Cathedral hosts the Altare d’Argento (Silver Altar), a masterpiece by several goldsmiths made between the 13th – 15th centuries. To visit the Altar there is an entrance fee.
Please note: entrance fees are extra.