Pistoia

Latest update: 29 February 2024
By Dion Protani
The city of ​Pistoia also serves as the capital of the province of Pistoia. With a population of approximately 90,000 inhabitants, it's known for its charming medieval cityscape, featuring well-preserved architecture and narrow cobblestone streets.

​Pistoia boasts a rich cultural heritage, highlighted by its stunning cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, and historic centre. Additionally, the city is renowned for its annual Pistoia Blues Festival, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world. Its location between Florence and Lucca makes it an ideal base for exploring Tuscany.
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Pistoia: medieval and Renaissance harmony​
Pistoia, situated in the heart of Tuscany, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Piazza del Duomo is a must-visit, featuring the stunning Pistoia Cathedral and its striking campanile. Wander through the charming medieval streets to discover hidden gems like the Ospedale del Ceppo with its intricate terracotta frieze.

​Art enthusiasts will appreciate the works housed in the Palazzo Comunale and the Marino Marini Museum. Nearby, the scenic Montecatini Terme offers relaxing thermal spas and verdant parks for outdoor recreation. Don't miss the enchanting Funicolare di Montecatini for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Pistoia's vibrant markets, lively festivals, and delectable cuisine make it a delightful destination for exploration.
Comune di Pistoia
Province: Pistoia

Region: Tuscany

Population: 89,524 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024)

​​Total size: 236 km²​​

Elevation: 65 metres

Top sights: Pistoia Cathedral, Pistoia Baptistery, Pistoia Bell Tower

Close by: Vinci, Cutigliano, Abetone, Prato, Lucca, Florence

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Patria
Public transport: central train station, local buses

By car: Prato - 28 mins (26 km), Lucca - 40  mins (45 km)
By air: Florence Airport - 26 minutes by car (32 km)

​By train: Prato - 11 minutes, Florence - 38 minutes
What are the most popular tours and activities in Pistoia?
  • Pistoia Cathedral (Duomo di Pistoia): Visit the beautiful Pistoia Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Zeno, and admire its stunning Romanesque façade, elegant interior, and impressive artworks by artists such as Andrea della Robbia. Guided tours offer insights into the cathedral's history and significance.
  • Piazza del Duomo: Explore the charming Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Pistoia Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Palazzo dei Vescovi. Visitors can admire the architectural beauty of the square and relax at outdoor cafes while soaking in the atmosphere.
  • Ospedale del Ceppo: Discover the historic Ospedale del Ceppo, a medieval hospital complex known for its striking façade adorned with colorful ceramic friezes. Guided tours provide access to the hospital's museum, showcasing medical artifacts, Renaissance paintings, and a collection of glazed terracotta sculptures.
  • Pistoia Underground: Explore the hidden tunnels and chambers beneath Pistoia's historic center with guided tours of Pistoia Underground. Visitors can delve into the city's subterranean history, including ancient Roman ruins, medieval water systems, and secret passageways.
  • San Giovanni Fuoricivitas: Visit the picturesque church of San Giovanni Fuoricivitas, located just outside Pistoia's city walls. Guided tours offer insights into the church's Romanesque architecture, medieval frescoes, and the nearby Ospedale del Ceppo's ancient olive oil mill.
  • Culinary Experiences: Indulge in Tuscan cuisine with food tours and tastings that showcase local specialties such as schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread), tortelli di patate (potato-filled pasta), and Vin Santo wine. Visitors can sample delicacies at traditional trattorias, bakeries, and markets while learning about Pistoia's culinary traditions and gastronomic heritage.
Where should I eat in Pistoia?
  • Osteria del Leoncino: Located in the historic center of Pistoia, Osteria del Leoncino is a charming restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan dishes and cozy atmosphere. The menu features classic favorites such as ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), and bistecca alla fiorentina, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Il Canto del Maggio: Situated in a picturesque countryside setting just outside Pistoia, Il Canto del Maggio offers a refined dining experience in a beautifully restored villa. The restaurant's menu features creative interpretations of Tuscan cuisine, with dishes that highlight the flavors of the region's seasonal ingredients.
  • Ristorante Il Patio: Located in the heart of Pistoia's historic center, Ristorante Il Patio is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant specializes in traditional Tuscan fare, with a focus on homemade pastas, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. Guests can dine al fresco in the restaurant's charming courtyard during the warmer months.
  • Ristorante La Bottegaia: Tucked away on a quiet street in Pistoia, Ristorante La Bottegaia is a hidden gem known for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of Tuscan specialties, including soups, salads, and homemade desserts, all made with care using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Osteria dei Pellegrini: Situated near Pistoia's Piazza del Duomo, Osteria dei Pellegrini is a cozy trattoria known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and friendly service. The menu features a selection of hearty dishes, including ribollita, pici pasta with ragù, and grilled meats, all served in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
What should I eat in Pistoia?
  • Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Wide ribbon-like pasta served with a rich ragù made from wild boar meat (cinghiale). This dish is a Tuscan classic and is loved for its hearty and robust flavors.
  • Gnudi: Similar to gnocchi but made with ricotta cheese and spinach instead of potato, gnudi are soft, pillowy dumplings served with a variety of sauces, such as butter and sage or tomato sauce.
  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A quintessential Tuscan dish, bistecca alla Fiorentina is a thick-cut T-bone steak, typically sourced from Chianina cattle, grilled over a wood fire and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  • Zuppa di Farro: A hearty soup made with farro (spelt), a type of ancient grain, simmered with vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, along with beans and sometimes pancetta or other meats. It's a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for colder days.
  • Crostini Toscani: Slices of toasted bread topped with a variety of savory toppings, such as chicken liver pâté (crostini di fegatini), Tuscan tomato and basil salsa (crostini al pomodoro), or diced tomatoes and garlic (crostini al pomodoro).

Pistoia  Gallery

What are the best places to stay in Pistoia?
  • Villa de' Fiori: This elegant villa is set in a beautiful garden with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It offers spacious rooms and suites decorated in a traditional Tuscan style, along with amenities such as a swimming pool and restaurant serving local cuisine.
  • Hotel Villa Cappugi: Located just outside the historic center of Pistoia, Hotel Villa Cappugi offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the hotel's lush garden, outdoor swimming pool, and on-site restaurant specializing in Tuscan dishes.
  • Locanda San Marco: Situated in a historic building in the heart of Pistoia, Locanda San Marco offers stylish and cozy accommodations. The boutique hotel features individually decorated rooms, a courtyard garden, and a popular restaurant serving innovative cuisine made with local ingredients.
  • Agriturismo Amedea: For a rustic Tuscan experience, consider staying at Agriturismo Amedea, a farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Guests can stay in charming rooms or self-catering apartments, enjoy homemade meals prepared with organic ingredients, and explore the countryside on foot or by bike.
  • Hotel Patria: Conveniently located near Pistoia's main attractions, Hotel Patria offers comfortable accommodations with a blend of modern and classic design elements. Guests can relax in the hotel's garden, enjoy a drink at the bar, and take advantage of amenities such as free Wi-Fi and private parking.
What's the closest airport to Pistoia?
Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) (FLR):

  • Located in Florence, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Pistoia.
  • Florence Airport is the closest major airport serving the region.
  • From Florence Airport, you can reach Pistoia by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Pistoia takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Florence's main train station (Santa Maria Novella) and then catch a train to Pistoia Train Station.

Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) (PSA):

  • Located in Pisa, approximately 85 kilometers west of Pistoia.
  • Pisa Airport is another option, although it's farther away compared to Florence Airport.
  • From Pisa Airport, you can reach Pistoia by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Pistoia takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Pisa Centrale Train Station and then catch a train to Pistoia Train Station.
What's the main train station in Pistoia?
Pistoia Train Station (Stazione di Pistoia):
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  • Located in the city center of Pistoia.
  • Pistoia Train Station is well-connected to major cities in Italy, including Florence, Pisa, and Lucca.
  • From Pistoia Train Station, you can easily explore the city and its surroundings using local buses, taxis, or on foot.
What private transfer options are there for Pistoia?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Pistoia takes around 25 minutes. 

If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
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  • Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
  • Arrival date
  • Arrival time
  • Number of passengers
  • Destination (either town or specific hotel) 
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Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Pistoia?
  • Local Rental Agencies: Explore local car rental agencies in Pistoia. Larger rental companies as well as local providers may offer rental services within the city. You can search online or check local business directories for their contact information and locations.
  • Nearby Cities: Since Pistoia is relatively close to cities like Florence and Prato, you can also consider renting a car from one of the rental agencies in these cities. Florence and Prato have more rental options available, including at the train stations, airports, and in the city centers.
  • Regional Airports: You could also consider looking for rental options at airports such as Florence Airport (Peretola). Some rental agencies may offer shuttle services to pick up your rental car from the airport.
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