Pistoia is the hinge, which links the north with the centre of Italy. Its heyday was in the thirteenth century thanks to the local bankers who lent money to the kings and princes of France.
In 1306, Pistoia lost the battle against Lucca and Florence and in 1329 it came definitively under Florentine dominion. This started a period of decline and it was only in the second half of the nineteenth century that the development of agriculture, industry and the crafts gave the town a new lease of life.
Despite some significant industrialisation, Pistoia nevertheless retains its authentic character and has preserved its historical centre, rich in art and religious buildings. The Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral itself, the baptistry and the Palazzo dei Vescoviare are the most important examples.
Surrounding area
Abetone
Abetone is one of the most renowned and best equipped centres for winter sports in the Apennines. It is situated at 1388m altitude in the forests of Abetone that are rich in beech, pine trees, and acorn. The composer Puccini once stayed there.
Collodi
The author of Pinocchio, Carlo Lorenzini (1826-1890) borrowed his pseudonym “Collodi” from the village where his mother was born. The park “Parco di Pinocchio” was created in honour of the author of the famous children’s tale written in 1883. Near Collodi, the Villa Garzoni is worth a visit, built from 1633 to 1662 and surrounded by elaborate gardens dating back to the middle of the seventeenth century. These are amongst the most beautiful gardens in Italy.
Cutigliano
Situated at an altitude of 670 metres, the village of Cutigliano has preserved the oldest structure of the Pistoian Appenines. At the heart of the wooded site there are some old buildings including the Palazzo Pretoria or Palace of the Captain of the People, dating back to the fourteenth century. Near Cutigliano, Pian di Novello offers numerous ski pistes flanked by woods.
Monsummano Terme
The birth place of the Italian poet Giuseppe Giusti (1809-1850), Monsummano offers cures within the town’s caves. Treatments address problems ranging from gout to arthritis and arterial illnesses.
Montecatini Terme
With its buildings from the twenties and thirties, Montecatini Terme is one of the most frequented and most elegant spas in Italy. For centuries the therapeutic virtues of its waters have enjoyed a considerable reputation.
Pescia
Pescia is known principally for its asparagus and its flowers. Its “Biennale of Flowers” offers the visitor a grand exhibition of cut flowers and decorative green plants.
For any question about Agriturismo in Pistoia, please contact our Tuscany Agriturismo Specialist
Alessandro@dolcevita.be
Tel: +32 2 653 25 20
Ask him for a customized proposal !
