Even during the Ferragosto weekend, Pistoia and the Pistoia Mountains open their doors to those eager to explore art, culture, and local traditions.
Ferragosto, celebrated on August 15th, is one of Italy’s most cherished holidays—a day of rest and celebration, often marked by cultural events, outdoor excursions, and time spent with family and friends.
Friday, August 15, 2025, is the perfect opportunity to visit museums and cultural sites, discover hidden corners of the city and surrounding villages, and experience a heritage rich in history and authenticity.
In the city
Pistoia Musei

On Friday, August 15th, for the Ferragosto holiday, the venues of Fondazione Pistoia Musei will remain open with extended hours, offering residents and visitors a special opportunity to discover the region’s art and history.
You’ll be able to visit the Museum of the Ancient Palace of the Bishops and the San Salvatore Museum with the exhibition Frammenti di storie, both open from 10 AM to 7 PM, as well as the Twentieth-Century Collections at Palazzo de’ Rossi, with extended hours until 8 PM.
Civic Museums of Pistoia
On Friday, August 15th, the Civic Museums of Pistoia will be open from 11 AM to 7 PM. For the occasion, visitors can enjoy free admission to the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of the Spedale del Ceppo, and the Museum of 20th-Century and Contemporary Art.
At the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, housed in the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale), it will be the final day to see the exhibition From the City to the Museum: The Illustrious Gallery of the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts in the Civic Collections.
Meanwhile, at the Museum of 20th-Century and Contemporary Art in Palazzo Fabroni, visitors can explore the exhibition Chiavacci and Melani. Art Between Binary and Particles.
Regional Directorate of National Museums of Tuscany
The former Church of Tau will be open to the public in the morning hours, from 9 AM to 1 PM, from Tuesday, August 12th to Sunday, August 17th. The church is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot, traditionally depicted with a T-shaped staff, known as the “tau,” from which the church takes its name.
Santa Barbara Fortress will be closed from August 15th to 31st. Currently, the Oratory of San Desiderio is also closed to visitors due to ongoing restoration work.
Pistoia Sotterranea – Underground path

Even on Ferragosto, Pistoia Sotterranea remains open with regular guided tours at 10.15 AM, 11.30 AM, 2 PM (English tour), 3 PM, and 4.30 PM. Advance booking is recommended.
A great opportunity to explore the longest underground route in Tuscany, learn about the history of the ancient Ospedale del Ceppo, and discover the events that led to the burial of the Brana River.
Cathedral, baptistery and churches
The Cathedral of San Zeno, overlooking Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia, is open daily with free admission. Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the famous Silver Altar, which can be viewed with a suggested donation.
The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, with continuous hours from 10 AM to 6 PM, and free admission.
The Church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas is open to the public every day from 10 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM, except Wednesday afternoons, when it remains closed. The church will also be closed on the afternoon of Friday, August 15, and for the entire day on Wednesday, August 6, Thursday, August 7, and Friday, August 8.
On Ferragosto (15 August), the hurch of Sant’Andrea will be open from 9.30 AM to 6 PM. From Monday 4 to Sunday 31 August, the church will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM. Extraordinary openings upon request, subject to availability.
Click here to check the opening times of Pistoia’s churches.
Pistoia Mountains
Ecomuseum of the Pistoia Mountains
Spend your Ferragosto day in the mountains, exploring the towns of San Marcello Piteglio and Abetone Cutigliano by visiting the sites of the Ecomuseum of the Pistoia Mountains. Guided by expert guides, you’ll discover the natural and artistic beauty of the area, along with its oldest traditions and crafts.
A special opportunity to experience summer fully immersed in the history and nature of the Pistoia Apennines.
Click here to check opening hours and plan your visit.
Abetone Ski Museum
The Abetone Municipal Ski Museum is a unique and fascinating place to discover the history of one of the world’s most beloved winter sports. The museum pays tribute not only to the sport of skiing but also to the deep connection this land has with snow, the mountains, and the sporting achievements that have made it famous.
For Ferragosto, the museum will be open from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Click here to learn more.
Gothic Line Museum

For Ferragosto, discover the Gothic Line Museum in Pianosinatico (Abetone Cutigliano), dedicated to preserving the memory of the events that marked the area during World War II. During the summer season, the museum is open daily from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 6 PM.
The museum houses and preserves objects, documents, and memorabilia, many of which were buried for years or kept in local homes. These valuable testimonies vividly and realistically recount the harshness of a period that left the village in ruins but now lives on through remembrance and historical awareness.
Two hiking trails start from the museum, winding through the remains of bunkers: the first is about 1.5 km long with a 150 m elevation gain, and the second is around 8 km with a 360 m elevation gain.