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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Tuscany, Italy

Iconic Landmarks

Pistoia’s historic center holds several impressive landmarks that reveal its medieval past and artistic heritage.

These sites are at the heart of the city’s identity.

Main Square Highlights

  • Piazza del Duomo: The magnificent medieval heart of Pistoia, surrounded by structures.
  • Cattedrale di San Zeno: Romanesque cathedral with the impressive silver altar of San Jacopo.
  • Campanile (Bell Tower): Climb for panoramic views of Pistoia and the Tuscan landscape.
  • Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte: Octagonal Gothic baptistery with green and white marble stripes.

Ospedale del Ceppo & Pistoia Sotterranea

Features

  • Ospedale del Ceppo: Historic hospital with Giovanni della Robbia's glazed terracotta frieze depicting the Seven Works of Mercy.
  • Pistoia Sotterranea: Archaeological route under Ospedale del Ceppo, showing Roman foundations and medieval bridges.
  • Frieze is visible from outside the hospital building.
  • Cathedral main nave generally open 10 AM-12:30 PM and 3 PM-5:30 PM, free entry.
  • Campanile entrance fee approx. €5-€8 for the climb.
  • Pistoia Sotterranea access is strictly by guided tour only, pre-booking highly recommended (approx. €9-€12).

Viewing & Photography Tips

  • Piazza del Duomo: Visit early morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
  • Campanile: Best aerial shots of the square and city.
  • Battistero: Marble stripes appear stunning under direct sunlight.
  • Explore smaller side streets off main piazzas for charming, less-crowded photo spots.

Look for glimpses of the Campanile from unexpected alleys for unique compositions.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Museo Civico: In Palazzo Comunale, 13th-20th century Pistoian art. Entrance €5-€7, closed Mondays.
  • Museo Marino Marini: Dedicated to Pistoian sculptor Marino Marini (1901-1980), showcases bronzes, drawings, paintings. Closed Mondays.
  • Biblioteca Fabroniana: Historic library with ancient texts in the Episcopal Palace complex.
  • Teatro Manzoni: Historic theater hosting plays, concerts, operas in winter.

Specialized Museums & Venues

  • Museo del Ricamo:

    Highlights Pistoia's rich embroidery tradition.

  • Museo della Fondazione Pistoia Musei:

    Manages Palazzo de' Rossi (ancient art) and Palazzo Buontalenti (modern art).

  • Art Galleries:

    Smaller galleries and temporary exhibition spaces often feature local artists.

  • Fabbrica delle Emozioni:

    A modern cultural space for diverse events and workshops.

  • Check Listings:

    For current exhibitions, concerts, or special events, check local listings or the official Pistoia tourist office website.

Historical Sites

Pistoia is a living historical site, its urban fabric shaped by centuries of events.

Archaeological & Architecture

  • Pistoia Sotterranea

    Main archaeological site, a journey through Roman and medieval history beneath the city.

  • Historic Center

    Well-preserved medieval street plan, ancient city walls, towers, and grand palazzi. Explore Piazza della Sala and Via degli Orafi.

  • Religious Sites

    Church of Sant'Andrea (Giovanni Pisano pulpit), San Giovanni Fuorcivitas (Fra Guglielmo pulpit), Convent of San Francesco.

  • Train Manufacturing

    Pistoia has a history of train manufacturing, with Officine Meccaniche della Pistoiese.

  • Gothic Line

    Nearby Apennine mountains hold remnants of the Gothic Line, a WWII German defensive line.

  • Memorials

    Various monuments and statues honor local figures, including Marino Marini.

Train Manufacturing

Pistoia has a history of train manufacturing, with Officine Meccaniche della Pistoiese.

Gothic Line

Nearby Apennine mountains hold remnants of the Gothic Line, a WWII German defensive line.

Memorials

Various monuments and statues honor local figures, including Marino Marini.

Natural Attractions

While Pistoia is known for its urban history, its surroundings offer beautiful natural spaces for relaxation and exploration.

Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia

A significant zoo short distance from the city, focusing on conservation and education, a pleasant family outing. Get Tickets Here

Parco Puccini

A large urban park within Pistoia, offering green spaces for relaxation, strolls, and recreational activities. Explore More Parks

Pistoia Mountains

The Apennine foothills offer scenic drives, hiking trails, and picturesque mountain villages like Cutigliano. Find Mountain Tours

Scenic Views & Wildlife

Campanile Panoramic Views

The Bell Tower in Piazza del Duomo provides the best panoramic view of Pistoia and its immediate natural surroundings.

Book Tower Climb

Padule di Fucecchio

A large marshland south of Pistoia, a significant birdwatching area, especially during migration seasons.

Discover Birdwatching Spots

Wildlife Spotting

In the Pistoia Mountains, you can spot various wildlife, including deer and wild boar.

Explore Wildlife Tours

Geological Features

The Apennines offer diverse geological formations for those with an interest in geology.

Find Geological Excursions

Coastal Day Trips

Pistoia is inland. The closest coast is Versilia (Viareggio), about 50-60 km away, for sandy beaches.

Plan Beach Excursions

Hidden Gems

Pistoia rewards visitors who venture beyond the main sights, revealing lesser-known but equally charming attractions.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

  • Palazzo dei Vescovi: Adjacent to the Cathedral, museum and archaeological remains from Roman times.
  • Giardino Volante: Contemporary art installation on a former industrial site.
  • Chiesa di San Bartolomeo in Pantano: Romanesque church with an unique portal.

Local Favorites & Emerging Spots

Discover charming towns and capture unique scenes.

Regional Insights

  • Smaller medieval towns in Pistoia hills: San Marcello Pistoiese or Pescia offer authentic experiences without large crowds.
  • Le Fornaci di Agliana: Historic brick kilns in Agliana.
  • Capture intricate reflections in the Baptistery at dawn.
  • Focus on the detailed glazed terracotta frieze of Ospedale del Ceppo.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Charming Alleyways

  • Seek out quiet alleys and hidden courtyards.
  • These spots offer charming, less-photographed scenes.
  • Capture the sense of local life.

Unconventional Angles

  • Look for views of the Campanile from unexpected vantage points.
  • Experiment with different compositions to create unique shots.
  • Discover your own favorite photographic spots.

Hidden Gems

Local Calendar

Check the official Pistoia tourist office website before your visit.

This provides information on current exhibitions, concerts, or special events.

Hidden Gems

Pistoia rewards visitors who venture beyond the main sights, revealing lesser-known but equally charming attractions.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Explore unique sites rarely visited by most tourists.

Local Discoveries

  • Palazzo dei Vescovi: Adjacent to the Cathedral, museum and archaeological remains from Roman times.
  • Giardino Volante: Contemporary art installation on a former industrial site.
  • Chiesa di San Bartolomeo in Pantano: Romanesque church with an unique portal.

Local Favorites & Emerging Spots

Discover charming towns and capture unique scenes.

Regional Insights

  • Smaller medieval towns in Pistoia hills: San Marcello Pistoiese or Pescia offer authentic experiences without large crowds.
  • Le Fornaci di Agliana: Historic brick kilns in Agliana.
  • Capture intricate reflections in the Baptistery at dawn.

Photography Tip 1

Capture the intricate reflections in the Baptistery at dawn for stunning architectural shots.

Details

  • Best light in early morning.
  • Focus on architectural details.
  • Capture reflections in nearby puddles after rain.

A peaceful time before crowds gather.

Photography Tip 2

Focus on the detailed glazed terracotta frieze of the Ospedale del Ceppo for close-up artistic photography.

Details

  • Observe the vivid details of the frieze.
  • Use a zoom lens for intricate details.

A masterpiece of Renaissance art visible from outside.

Photography Tip 3

Seek out quiet alleys and hidden courtyards in the historic center for charming, less-photographed scenes.

Details

  • Wander off the main tourist paths.
  • Look for unique perspectives.
  • Capture the sense of local life.

These spots offer a more intimate view of Pistoia.

General Tips for Sightseeing

Pistoia Sotterranea

Access is by guided tour only, pre-booking highly recommended. English tours may be available on specific days.

Museum Hours

Most museums are typically closed on Mondays. Always verify hours directly or with the local tourism office.

Local Calendar

Check for current exhibitions, concerts, or special events coinciding with your visit for cultural immersion.

Travel Planning Tip

Using GetYourGuide can help book tickets for attractions and tours in advance, saving time and guaranteeing entry.