The town of Pistoia (90,000 inhabitants (2008), 67 meters above sea level) is at the center of a vast plain crossed by the river Ombrone, located between the Apennines and the Mount Albano. Founded in Roman times as roman colony, developed from the early Middle Ages when it became a Lombard fortress and was surrounded by walls. In the twelfth century the town became a free city and was surrounded by a second wall, from the thirteenth century Pistoia became part of the possessions of the powerful and nearby city of Florence. In the fourteenth century, a third wall was built with four gates, the city prospered under the control of Florence, and in this period were built numerous churches and mansions. 

Pistoia is still almost completely surrounded by its medieval walls, inside the walls there are numerous tourist attraction, first of all the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, which is overlooked by the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Palace of Bishops the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo Pretorio. Other interesting buildings in Pistoia are: the Spedale del Ceppo with its beautiful porch; the church of San Bartolomeo in Pantano; the church of San Giovanni Fuoricivitas; the Basilica della Madonna dell'Umiltà; the Church of San Domenico and the former church of Sant'Antonio dei Frati del Tau, with beautiful frescos of the fourteenth century, the Fortress of Santa Barbara, the church of San Francesco, the Parish of Sant'Andrea.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly market in Pistoia: Wednesday and Saturday
Weekly market, in Piazza del Duomo e Santo Spirito, every Wednesday and every Saturday from 8.00 to 13.30.

Tourist Information Office - Pistoia
Piazza Duomo n. 4 51100 Pistoia Tel. +39 0573 21622 Fax +39 0573 34327
Hours:
Tel. +39 0573 21622 Fax +39 0573 34327

SEARCH FOR ACCOMMODATION IN PISTOIA: