Ideas

Molino di Giamba and chestnuts of Pistoia Mountains

In the Orsigna Valley there are some historical buildings dedicated to the working of chestnuts.

Up till only a few decades ago, the chestnut was truly an essential and indispensable resource for the survival of the people of the Italian highlands and, in fact, for everyone living in the Pistoia mountains. Here, the much-loved chestnuts - a typical symbol of early autumn bonfires - were picked from October to November and then taken to be dried out in special canniccie or seccatoi or metati -…

Pistoia

A summer of festivals: events you can’t miss

From blues to jazz, experimental guitar to soul: a quick guide to summer music festivals in Pistoia, Serravalle Pistoiese, and the Pistoia Mountains.

In summer, squares and open-air theatres fill with music and joy, thanks to major musical events that draw a large and diverse audience each year. The city of Pistoia and the hamlets in the area also transform into open-air stages. Here are the festivals you won't want to miss. Pistoia Blues Festival Since 1980, in July, the striking Piazza del Duomo in the historic heart of Pistoia has been transformed into an…

San Marcello Piteglio, Serravalle Pistoiese, Pistoia, Agliana

Medieval festivals and historical reenactments

A journey back in time to the era of noble ladies and knights, of jousts on horseback and merry celebrations, surrounded by drums and booming trumpets.

Duels, archery, games, dances, parades: these historical reenactments of medieval events are the ideal moment to visit art cities and tiny hamlets. Not only the 'Giostra dell'Orso' – the Joust of the Bear: this is the time to admire and to enjoy, parades and shows, with noble dames, knights, musicians and flag-throwers. 1. Medieval Cutigliano In the 14th century, the 'Capitano della Montagna's headquarters was in Cutigliano: this Captain was…

Abetone Cutigliano, Marliana, Pistoia, San Marcello Piteglio, Serravalle Pistoiese

Pistoia, crossroads of pilgrimage routes

In Pistoia and the Pistoia Mountains, five pilgrimage routes intertwine, offering a unique experience that blends history, tradition, and unspoiled landscapes.

Walking along an ancient pilgrimage route is not only a spiritual experience, but also a sustainable journey through cultures, traditions, and landscapes. It's an authentic and respectful way to connect with the villages along the path, following gestures and rituals passed down through the centuries. Pistoia, with its mountainous region, is an ideal destination for those seeking a journey immersed in nature and reflection. Here, five historic routes intersect, touch,…

Pistoia, Abetone Cutigliano, Sambuca Pistoiese, San Marcello Piteglio, Serravalle Pistoiese

Traditions at table: what to eat and try out

Enjoy the strong and genuine flavours of local cooking: your palate will be thanking you!

This area’s cooking is authentic and genuine, thanks mainly to the use of ‘poor’ ingredients, typical of a basically peasant culture linked is to the mountains, rich in chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, and blueberries, as well as its excellent beef and mutton products and its honey. Which are the dishes which you absolutely must taste when you come here? 1. I maccheroni sull’anatra – Maccheroni with duck sauce A unique dish, typical of…

Pistoia, Quarrata, San Marcello Piteglio

Street art in Pistoia and the Pistoia Mountains

Street art in Pistoia and the Montagna Pistoiese has been reinterpreted with a modern, personal touch. Here’s a guide to the key artists behind these works.

Anyone strolling through the streets of Pistoia can’t help but notice its ancient medieval charm, still alive in every corner of the city. The striped churches in green and white, with their unique architecture and intricate details, tell stories of centuries of history and tradition, while major city landmarks, such as the Palazzo Comunale and the majestic Palazzo dei Vescovi, stand as witnesses to a distant past. However, among the…

Pistoia, San Marcello Piteglio

The zebra-striped churches of Pistoia

In Pistoia, some churches still stand out today for their green-and-white facades, a distinctive feature that has become emblematic of the city.

Between the 12th and 13th centuries, thanks in part to the arrival of the precious relic of Saint James from Santiago de Compostela, still preserved in the Cathedral of San Zeno, Pistoia experienced a period of flourishing revival. During this time, many medieval churches were expanded and redesigned according to Romanesque style principles, distinguished in this area by a striking use of two-tone color achieved with white Carrara marble and…

Pistoia

Pistoia: a city of records

Amid unique landmarks, rare works of art, and long-standing events, Pistoia and its Mountain reveal remarkable records—some well-known, others yet to be discovered.

The city of Pistoia boasts remarkable records that make it truly unique. Some of its achievements are world-famous, from iconic landmarks to priceless artefacts and centuries-old traditions, while others await discovery. Here’s a selection of must-see curiosities in the city, plus one from the Pistoiese Mountains. The two-story little theater Dating back to 1707, the Teatrino Gatteschi is a baroque gem hidden in the historic heart of Pistoia within Palazzo…

Pistoia, San Marcello Piteglio

Not-to-be-missed panoramas in Pistoia and its mountains

In the city or in the mountains, 5 places to get lost in the beauty of incredible views, able to give, in every period of the year, always different emotions

Natural hills and slopes, ancient medieval towers and bell towers enable you to admire all at once the marvellous panoramas which surround these valleys and towns. In the city itself or in the Pistoia Mountains, you can admire the area from high up so that you can embrace, at a glance, truly wonderful views, or you can let yourself pause and dwell on unique and particular details. 1. Lettere Segnavie…

Pistoia, Serravalle Pistoiese, Abetone Cutigliano, San Marcello Piteglio

The village of proverbs: Lagacci

A tiny village, lying on the border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, is sprinkled and scattered with proverbs, a depositary of ancient wisdom yet which is still relevant today.

On the right side of the Reno Valley in the Sambuca Pistoiese district - a border area between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna - lies Lagacci, a hamlet 710 metres above sea level, surrounded by thick woods. Lagacci was first mentioned in the 1587 Grand Duchy's Real Estate Registry, but it undoubtedly dates back much further. In summer and on lovely autumnal days, the narrow alleys winding around old stone houses…

Sambuca Pistoiese

On the way to discovering St. James through the art works to be seen in the City Museum of Antique Art

In the City Museum of antique art's exhibition rooms: a way to discover the works of art that depict St. James himself, or that are linked to his cult.

There are 16 of them - paintings on various mountings, sculptures and jewellery as well as items of minor arts, of different dates and of difference provenance; the works of art of the City Museum of Antique Art offer an all-embracing view of St. James' iconography over the centuries. Thanks to these works, you can get to know images and their history, to understand how, over the years, Pistoia art…

Pistoia

To live and enjoy the mountains: the Casetta de’ Pulledrari di Maresca

A well-equipped green area is the starting point for excursions on foot or by e-bike. Events, games and music all summer long thanks to the 'Vivere Piteglio' association.

In the Forest of Teso, not far from the Rombiciano Pass, stands the Casetta de' Pulledrari: built after the Second World War, it has been a point of reference for many excursionists and enthusiastic visitors to the Pistoia Mountains for many years. The Casetta is coming alive once again thanks to Vivere Piteglio, a cultural and recreational association. Refreshment point and e-bike hire The refreshment point will enhance the value…

San Marcello Piteglio

Abetone Botanical and Forest Garden

An itinerary full of flavors and colors to protect biodiversity in the Pistoia Apennines.

Abetone Cutigliano

Pistoia and the Jacobean cult

Pistoia's culture - the result of a long tradition of it being at the crossroads between Rome and Santiago - has stayed alive and this can be seen by its traditions,

Pistoia has been linked to the cult of the Apostle Saint James the Greater since 1145, the year in which Bishop Atto brought a fragment of the saint's skull from Santiago de Compostela to Pistoia. The relic is now kept in the Cathedral's Cappella del Giudizio in a beautiful reliquary made by Lorenzo Ghiberti in 1407. The Silver Altar - a masterpiece of goldsmith art - is to be found…

Pistoia

Discovering the Progetto Segnavie

New themed itineraries in the Pistoia Mountains: a contemporary mix of art and walks

The Pistoia Mountains are adopting new expressive forms thanks to the Progetto Segnavie - the Roadsign Project - that joins together new, themed itineraries - linked to street and land art - to a network of paths and trails high up in the Pistoia Mountains and in the so-called Svizzera Pesciativa area, a nickname given it as it slightly resembles the Swiss mountains. The Project covers areas which are particularly…

San Marcello Piteglio

Things that you would never dream of doing in a library

Culture, wellbeing, amusement, socialization and somebody always ready to help you: the San Giorgio is a very special library indeed.

The San Giorgio is not the usual library; this you can see as soon as you step over its threshold. A large and luminous space, the result of the restoration of the warehouses of the former San Giorgio railway factory. We are in front of the Depot of Historic Trains (directions) and you can see the old engines peeking out from the enclosure, a few yards away from its entrance.…

Pistoia