Pistoia
Pistoia
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Latest page update: 2 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The city of Pistoia is the capital city of the Province of Pistoia with a population of 90,358 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 65 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 236 km² and lies 35 kilometres north west of Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany. Italy's Capital of Culture in 2017, Pistoia is described in some quarters as a "mini-Florence" for its architectural legacy, particularly its Baptistery, and deserves more than a fleeting visit. |
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What People Ask About Pistoia
What is Pistoia known for?
Is Pistoia worth visiting?
What are the top attractions in Pistoia?
How do I get to Pistoia?
What is the Ospedale del Ceppo?
Related links
Overview
Overview
Medieval and Renaissance architecture
Pistoia's centre is a triumph of medieval and Renaissance city building with its major historic monuments looking as good now as no doubt they did when they were built. Everything you may wish to see is reachable on foot from the centre and there's really only one place to start: Piazza del Duomo.
Once a year on 25th July, the feast day of San Jacopo (Saint James), Piazza del Duomo is transformed into an arena, thronged with crowds that come to witness the jousting and heraldic splendour of the city's main event: the Giostro dell'Orso. On every other day of the year, Piazza del Duomo is simply the home to the city's best monuments and its cultural hub.
Once a year on 25th July, the feast day of San Jacopo (Saint James), Piazza del Duomo is transformed into an arena, thronged with crowds that come to witness the jousting and heraldic splendour of the city's main event: the Giostro dell'Orso. On every other day of the year, Piazza del Duomo is simply the home to the city's best monuments and its cultural hub.
Things to Do
Things to Do
Around Piazza del Duomo
The main attraction on Piazza del Duomo is the Cathedral; the Pisan-Romanesque style Cattedrale di San Zeno dates back to the 10th century and houses numerous works of art. Among the highlights here is the Altarpiece of Saint James, housed in the Cappella di San Jacopo. Step outside the Cathedral and you're immediately faced with the 14th century Baptistery with its distinctive horizontal stripes of green and white marble.
You can't fail to notice the tallest building on Piazza del Duomo which is the Cathedral's Bell Tower (campanile in Italian) which soars to a height of 67 metres. Climb the steps of the tower and you get the best possible view of Pistoia from the summit. While at the top of the Bell Tower you can look down on to some of the city's sights that aren't on Piazza del Duomo. Chief among those is the Chiesa di San Giovanni Fuoricivitas with its unusual side-facing facade, resplendent in the same green and white striped style of the Baptistery. You can also pick out the little square called Piazza della Sala where you'll find a marketplace and lots of places to try some local cuisine.
You can't fail to notice the tallest building on Piazza del Duomo which is the Cathedral's Bell Tower (campanile in Italian) which soars to a height of 67 metres. Climb the steps of the tower and you get the best possible view of Pistoia from the summit. While at the top of the Bell Tower you can look down on to some of the city's sights that aren't on Piazza del Duomo. Chief among those is the Chiesa di San Giovanni Fuoricivitas with its unusual side-facing facade, resplendent in the same green and white striped style of the Baptistery. You can also pick out the little square called Piazza della Sala where you'll find a marketplace and lots of places to try some local cuisine.
Tours & Activities
Comune di Pistoia
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Province: Pistoia
Region: Tuscany Population: 89,116 (in 2024 - source) Total size: 236 km² Elevation: 65 metres Top sights: Pistoia Cathedral, Pistoia Baptistery, Pistoia Bell Tower Close by: Vinci, Cutigliano, Abetone, Prato, Lucca, Florence |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
- Hotel Pistoia Located in the heart of Pistoia, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and proximity to Pistoia’s main attractions, including the Pistoia Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Il Giardino di Sissi Situated just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, the personal touch of the hosts, and the easy access to Pistoia’s historical sites and surrounding nature. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Patria Set near Pistoia’s historic centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with mountain views, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Guests enjoy the friendly service, good value for money, and the short walk to Pistoia’s cultural sites, including the Ospedale del Ceppo and the Museo San Salvi. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo La Capanne Located a short drive from Pistoia, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with panoramic views, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the rural setting, the authentic Tuscan experience, and the short drive to both Pistoia’s attractions and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B La Casa di Carla Set in a peaceful location near Pistoia, this bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with scenic views, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality from the hosts, the quiet environment, and the easy access to Pistoia’s historical sites and nearby hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
- Osteria del Capitano: Located in the historic centre of Pistoia, Osteria del Capitano offers a traditional dining experience focused on Tuscan and local Pistoiese cuisine. Known for its hearty pastas like pappardelle with wild boar ragu, and classic meat dishes, the restaurant combines rustic charm with delicious flavours. The warm atmosphere and excellent service make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante La Locanda del Vino Chiaro: Situated just outside the city centre, Ristorante La Locanda del Vino Chiaro offers a refined menu with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as risotto with saffron, grilled meats, and seafood. The elegant interior and wine selection make it an ideal spot for a more sophisticated dining experience. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Il Ceppo: A cosy, family-run trattoria located in the heart of Pistoia, Trattoria Il Ceppo offers traditional Tuscan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features classics like ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup), roast meats, and homemade pastas. The casual, homey atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed and authentic meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante Il Fiasco: Known for its modern take on traditional Tuscan cuisine, Ristorante Il Fiasco offers creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The menu includes options like risotto with wild mushrooms, grilled meats, and fresh pasta. The contemporary decor, attentive service, and elegant atmosphere make it a great place for a refined dining experience. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Toscana: For an upscale dining experience, Ristorante Toscana offers a sophisticated menu with an emphasis on high-quality local ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as risotto with truffle, roasted meats, and seafood. The elegant setting, exceptional service, and extensive wine list make it perfect for a special occasion or romantic dinner. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Nearby Places
Nearby Places
Places to visit close to Pistoia include the town of Vinci, birthplace of a certain artist called Leonardo. It may come as a surprise to know that you can go skiing in Tuscany and the region's main ski resort, Abetone, is in the mountains to the north of Pistoia. If heading in that direction by car, the town of Cutigliano is worth a look; it's on the same road as Abetone but closer to Pistoia.
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
Getting There
Getting There
Pistoia's train station is situated to the south of the city centre, a ten minute walk (1 km) from Piazza del Duomo. Trains run regularly from Pistoia to the centre of Florence (Santa Maria Novella) with a journey time of 38 minutes, stopping along the way in the neighbouring city of Prato (11 minutes). You can also travel in the opposite direction, west towards the coast, reaching the seaside town of Viareggio in an hour and 6 minutes, with one of the intervening stops at Lucca (46 minutes).
The most convenient airport for Pistoia is Florence Airport which is a 26 minute drive away (32 km), while Tuscany's other major airport, Pisa Airport, is a good alternative at 48 minutes by car (74 km).
The most convenient airport for Pistoia is Florence Airport which is a 26 minute drive away (32 km), while Tuscany's other major airport, Pisa Airport, is a good alternative at 48 minutes by car (74 km).
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Public transport: Central train station, local buses
By car: Prato - 28 mins (26 km), Lucca - 40 mins (45 km) |
Fly to: Florence Airport - 26 minutes by car (32 km)
By train: Prato - 11 minutes, Florence - 38 minutes |
