Pistoia

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Pistoia is a city in Tuscany, located between Florence and Lucca. The city was a Roman colony and later the seat of a bishopric. Pistoia rose to prominence as a free comune in the Late Middle Ages, but it was eventually conquered by Florence. The city now features numerous historic attractions and a rich artistic heritage.

✪ Pistoia Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Zeno (Cattedrale di San Zeno)

The Pistoia Cathedral (Duomo di Pistoia) is the main church of Pistoia. It was built starting in the 10th century and it was later expanded and reworked a few times. The church features a decorated Romanesque facade flanked by a tall bell tower. Its interiors host several artworks and adorned chapels, and an elaborate silver altar and reliquary made between the 13th and 15th century.

Palazzo dei Vescovi

Palazzo dei Vescovi is the historic residence of the bishops of Pistoia, located next to the city’s cathedral and erected starting in the 11th century. The palace now hosts a museum hosting various artworks and an exhibition on the main architectural landmarks of the city.

Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte

The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte (Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte) is a large baptistery located in front of the Pistoia Cathedral. The building was erected during the 14th century and it features an octagonal plan and rich Gothic decorations, such as reliefs and sculptures.

Palazzo degli Anziani

Also known as: Palazzo del Comune

Palazzo degli Anziani is the historic city hall of Pistoia, erected in Gothic style next to the cathedral between the 13th and 14th century. The palace also hosts the Civic Museum (Museo Civico), an art gallery housing a rich collection of paintings and other artworks dating between the 13th and 19th century.

Church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas

The Church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas is a Romanesque church in Pistoia. Originally built under the rule of the Lombards, the current structure dates from the Late Middle Ages. The church features rich external decorations, and it houses various artworks and ancient frescoes.

Basilica of Madonna dell’Umiltà

The Basilica of Madonna dell’Umiltà is a Renaissance church erected in Pistoia between the 15th and 16th century. The church features a large dome designed by Giorgio Vasari and it houses numerous artworks mostly dating between the 16th and 18th century.

Church of Tau

The Church of Tau is a former church in Pistoia, erected in the 14th century and featuring a rich series of medieval frescoes. Adjacent to this church is the Marino Marini Museum (Museo Marino Marini), which houses a collection of artworks made by the sculptor.

Ospedale del Ceppo

Ospedale del Ceppo is a historic hospital founded in the 13th century in Pistoia, and later expanded. The building features a Renaissance loggia adorned with a polychrome terracotta frieze. The entrance to the Pistoia Underground (Pistoia Sotterranea) is located here, and its tour includes a visit to the tunnels under the city and the anatomical theater of the hospital.

Church of San Bartolomeo in Pantano

The Church of San Bartolomeo in Pantano is a historic church in Pistoia, founded in the 8th century and later rebuilt in Romanesque style. The facade of the church features various decorations and it includes an elaborate portal with a sculpted architrave. The interior is simple and it houses a 13th-century pulpit.

Pieve of Sant’Andrea

The Pieve of Sant’Andrea is a historic church in Pistoia, founded in the 8th century and later expanded. The building features a decorated Romanesque facade and it houses an elaborate pulpit sculpted by Giovanni Pisano, considered the masterpiece of the artist.

Palazzo Fabroni

Palazzo Fabroni is a palace in Pistoia housing a museum of contemporary art. Its collection includes numerous artworks by local artists, along with pieces made by other Italian and international artists.

Church of San Francesco

The Church of San Francesco is a Gothic church in Pistoia founded in the 13th century. The church features a few artworks and a rich series of ancient frescoes dating from the Late Middle Ages.

Santa Barbara Fortress

The Santa Barbara Fortress (Fortezza Santa Barbara) is a fort in Pistoia originally erected in the 14th century and expanded during the Renaissance. The fortress was later used as a prison, and it is still well preserved to this day. The fort was connected to the ancient city wall that surrounded Pistoia, some sections of which survive today.