One of the strengths of Pistoia is certainly its position, since the city lies between Florence and Lucca and is connected to them by highway. In addition Pistoia is the departure point to the Abetone and Cutigliano ski resorts, as well as to all the other destinations of the Pistoia mountains that are popular resorts for tourists both during summer and winter.
Pistoia is also a green city: there are lots of nurseries there that make of it he European leader for the production of plants for outdoor ornamentation, and it hosts several medium-large parks.
The province of Pistoia is full of places to visit among which we mention: Montecatini Terme, Collodi, the area of Svizzera Pesciatina, Abetone, Cutigliano and the Pistoia Mountain (Montagna Pistoiese).
History
Pistoia was founded by the Etruscans, even if it is possible to find just a few examples of that period. It became then Roman outpost in the fight against the Ligurian and seat of the Bishopric in a second time. Partially destroyed by Ostrogoths, it became a city of significant size in Middle Ages and turned into a free municipality in 1100.
The Statute of the Consuls of the Municipality of Pistoia is one of the most ancient statutes written and found on the Italian territory.
Its heyday period was probably that of Pistoia Ghibellina ally of Pisa and Siena until the final defeat in 1300 against Florence and Lucca, when the city's defenses were destroyed. However, Pistoia tried not to surrender to the historical enemies of Florence and Lucca trying several rebellions, all of them were repressed with blood.
Only with the birth of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany Pistoia returned to its former glory turning into an important political and cultural centre.
Of the fourteenth-century walls - the third circle after the ancient Roman and those of the Lombard period - long sections remain despite the dismantling began in the 20's, but the four entrances to the city were all demolished in the early twentieth century. The S. Barbara Fortress built on '500 during the Grand Duchy of Tuscany is today used as an open air summer cinema and for cultural events and exhibitions.
From its past Pistoia has kept the passion for art and culture - take as an example the big number of theatres and cultural events orgnized there - and an instinctive rebellion towards authoritarianism also evident from the value showed during the partisan struggle against Nazi occupation for which the town gained silver campaign medal.
Things to see
Among the places of interest of Pistoia we mention the amazing Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral square) situated in the exact centre of the city with the Cathedral of San Zeno (find inside the silver altar of San Jacopo - goldsmith's art masterpiece that saw also the cooperation of Brunelleschi for its realization - and the Museo Capitolare with the Tresure of San Jacopo), the beautiful Bell Tower - 67 mt tall - and the Baptistery of San Giovanni - octagonal, in Gothic style and decorated with white and green marble.
Other monuments to visit are: the Bishops' Palace, the Praetorian Palace - or Courthouse - the Town All and the Catilina Tower - that takes its name from the Roman general who, according to the legend, died in Pistoia under the Tower - the Medicean Fortress of Santa Barbara.
We suggest to visit the Tactile Museum inside the Bishops' Palace, a permanent exhibition conceived and designed to introduce the city also to blind and visually impaired users.
Underground archaelogical path: after the discover of two Etruscan memorial stones found during the restoration works of the Bishops' Palace, some archaeological excavations were organized that brought to light materials of Etruscan time of 6th and 5th century b.C., ceramics and remains of buildings from Roman and Medieval times. Inside the excavations an equipped archaeological path was set up where it is possible to see the archaeological finds and follow the stages of excavation works in order to understand the different stratigraphies.
Not to miss, the Zoo of Pistoia - officially called Zoological Garden - was realized durng '70's in the suborbs of the city. It hosts 600 animals including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and interesting species of plants. Among those you can find: bears, tigers, giraffe, peacocks, jaguards, cranes, eagles, hawks and much more. Inside the area you will find a picnic area, a restaurant, a bar and a playground for children.
Festivals and Events in Pistoia
Giostra dell'Orso - 25 July San Jacopo, city's patron saint
The Giostra dell'Orso (competition of the bear) is an equestrian competition disputed among the four districts of the city which are Cervo Bianco, Drago, Grifone and Leon d'Oro. The 12 riders - 3 for each district - compete in pairs to win the "palio" - a large piece of velvet cloth.
In 18 rounds, riders have to knock down with a spear a target in the shape of a bear, with the aim to get 3, 2 or 1 points depending on the success and order of the venture. The district that get the highest amount of points is the winner of the Palio.
The rider able to get the highest amount of points is awarded with the prize of the Golden Spur (Sperone d'Oro).
San Bartolomeo - 24 August San Bartolomeo, protector of children
On the occasion of this popular festival people generally buy the crown of San Bartolomeo, a necklace made with big cookies also called "pippi".
Pistoia Blues
The summer music festival is a must for all blues music lovers, even if artists who perform also come from rock, soul and jazz.
This festival was born in 1980 and it is the first one in Italy dedicated to Blues. Starting from that date it brings to Italy the most famous artists coming from the national and international music scene.
It takes place in three nights during mid-July and its central stage is situated in the Cathedral Square. Aside the most important concerts - for which visitors have to pay a ticket going from 30 to 40 euro - during those days Pistoia is full of street performers, musicians, stalls and, obviously, many people coming from all over the world.
Among the artists who performed to Pistoia Blues in the past we mention: B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, ohn Lee Hooker, Sam Moore, Rufus Thomas, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Robert Plant and, among the Italians: Pino Daniele, Roberto Ciotti, Zucchero, e Battiato.