Let’s get to know Pistoia in Tuscany

Pistoia is between Lucca and Florence and it’s amazing! It is known by poets and writers as ‘the city of enchanted stones’ and makes us fall in love with its churches, palaces and wide streets. It is not one of the most visited cities by Brazilian tourists, but it is, without a doubt, a great option if you are close to it! With its rich architecture, it offers tourists history, culture and much more. Let’s go to our post of the day? Let’s get to know Pistoia in Tuscany? Stay with us and make the most of boot country! Here at Italy’s Dream Tourism you can make the trip of your dreams come true!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your Vacations Section!

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Watch this beautiful video about Pistoia!

(Source: Places to see in)

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Our Introduction

Pistoia was founded in Roman times and was called Pistoria. It was erected in a region of Etruscan settlements in the 2nd century BC to support Roman troops fighting against the Liguri, who were established in the Apennine areas. Pistoia eventually became an important bishopric in the fifth century and was conquered by the Goths, Byzantines, Lombards, and Franks. In the passage of the mighty army of Germanic tribes, Pistoia was partially destroyed. A few centuries later, it came under Lombard rule. Due to its excellent location, it expanded geographically and economically and then passed through the hands of German emperors. Get to know Pistoia through a 2-hour walking tour of the city.

A little more of Pistoia’s history

After many wars for its dominance, Pistoia rose again as an important political and cultural axis. With Lorraine, who was the architect of important reforms, Pistoia experienced, from the second half of the eighteenth century, a significant renaissance. In the 19th century, the construction of the railway lines benefited the industrial development of the city and in 1861, Pistoia (and the entire region of Tuscany) was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. In 1927, the city became a province and received a city hall, making it definitely a city of extreme prestige.

1) Are we going to visit Pistoia in Tuscany? VISIT THE CATHEDRAL, TOWER, PALAZZO, AND BAPTISTERY

Pistoia was Italian Capital of Culture in 2017 and is a city of Roman origin; as it needed protection, the city follows the limits of the three high walls that surround the city. The Piazza del Duomo is marked by the main ‘powers’ of the city: the religious, with the Cathedral of San Zeno (and the spectacular Bell Tower—with its 200 steps that offer us a magnificent view of the city from above!); the administrative power, with the Palazzo Comunale and the judiciary; there we find the Palazzo dei Vescovi, the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte, which is one of the greatest expressions of the Tuscan Gothic style, built with white marble from Siena and Carrara and green marble from Prato. By the way, the architecture of the city is beautiful! It deserves a fond look.

2) Let’s get to know Pistoia in Tuscany? VISIT THE OSPEDALE DEL CEPPO, THE CHURCHES, AND THE LIBRARY

Piazza della Sala belongs to the oldest nucleus of Pistoia and is a nucleus that includes several sacred buildings (although sometimes desecrated), which attest to the centrality of religion in the history of the city. There are shops, restaurants, and bars, and it’s a very nice place for coffee! The old center is included in a ring road that follows the route of the first circle of walls.

Let’s walk through the streets and find out what’s in them!

Walking among these streets, you will come across unexpected and precious works, of unparalleled beauty! In addition to the aforementioned Piazza del Duomo,  it is worth remembering the Ospedale del Ceppo, decorated by the majestic Fregiano Frieze. It is not possible to visit its interior, but you can take a historical (and guided) tour in its underground; the Church of Sant’Andrea, with the splendid pulpit of Giovanni Pisano completely decorated with beautiful medieval frescoes, cannot deviate from these magnificent works.

Don’t miss out either…

The white and black marbles that decorate the exterior of the Church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, impress and prepare us for two other incredible works: the Church of San Filippo Neri and the Fabroniana Library. But to really discover Pistoia, it is necessary to leave the city center and allow yourself to cross the ends of the walls, more precisely, the third wall. This quadrilateral wall structure has at its top four gates that lead to the main exits of Pistoia. In the Medici era, this third ‘curtain’ had the curious purpose of protecting the territory controlled by the powerful family and had a whole defensive scheme, since invasions could happen at any time.

3) Let’s visit Pistoia in Tuscany? VISIT THE ECOMUSEUM

You can see the Pistoiese Mountains Ecomuseum, which has great options in both the warmer and colder months. The observatory deserves to be highlighted. It is well-equipped and a great choice for those who love astronomy. There you will also find an ‘ice factory’, which tells how production has been working since 1900, especially in winter. Still, in the museum, it is possible to learn better what ironwork was like. There is a kind of circuit that tells the whole history of iron and how it was worked in the region; What’s more, it is possible to walk through the park and get in touch with all the impressive nature that surrounds it; it is invigorating!

4) Are we going to visit Pistoia in Tuscany? VISIT THE VILLAGE OF ORSIGNA

After the walls, it is also possible to discover more unexpected corners of charm, such as the beautiful Villa of Orsigna (consider a stop at the Molino di Giamba) and an exuberant nature that ‘guards’ the rural and hidden soul of Pistoia. If you love clean air, hiking, beautiful scenery, and interesting locations, consider this tour option!

Where to Eat in Pistoia?

Nati Stanchi Enoteca – with excellent wine options, offers dishes that harmonize perfectly with the entire menu. Modern, tasty place with impeccable service. Address: Via Pietro Bozzi 7, Pistoia. Hours: every day from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 0:00 a.m.

5) Discover in Pistoia: THE BRAZILIAN MILITARY VOTIVE MONUMENT!

Did you know that Pistoia has a fond (and at the same time sad) connection with Brazil? The Brazilian Military Votive Monument is located in the city of Pistoia because it was one of the areas where Brazilian soldiers fought and where many lost their lives between 1944 and 1945, during World War II.

Tribute to Brazilian Soldiers

The Brazilian Military Votive Monument in Pistoia is an important tribute to Brazilian soldiers and is a symbol of respect and remembrance for the members of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) who fought in the Italian Campaign, one of the main battlefronts of the war.

During World War II, Brazil sent around 25,000 soldiers to fight alongside the Allies in the Italian Campaign. These FEB soldiers played a significant role in several important battles, such as those of Monte Castelo, Montese and Fornovo.

A little more about the Monument

The monument was inaugurated on September 6, 1966 and was built to honor and remember the 462 Brazilian soldiers who lost their lives in the Italian Campaign. The remains of these soldiers were initially buried in Pistoia, but were later transferred to the National Monument to the Dead of the Second World War in Rio de Janeiro in 1960.

Inside of the Chapel and the Ossuary

The monument includes a chapel, an ossuary, and a garden. The structure was designed to be a place of reflection and remembrance. Inside the chapel, there are marble plaques with the names of the Brazilian soldiers who died in the war. The Brazilian Military Votive Monument of Pistoia is a symbol of friendship and gratitude between Brazil and Italy, and represents the sacrifice and bravery of the Brazilian soldiers. It serves as a place of pilgrimage for the families of the soldiers, as well as for scholars and people interested in the history of the Second World War.

Ceremonies and Events at the Monument

Regular ceremonies and commemorative events are held at the monument, especially on Victory Day (8 May) and the Day of the Dead (2 November), when Brazilian and Italian authorities, as well as veterans and their families, gather to pay their respects.

The Brazilian Military Votive Monument of Pistoia is therefore an important historical and cultural landmark, preserving the memory of the Brazilian soldiers who contributed to the liberation of Italy during the Second World War.

Visiting Information

You can visit it every day, however it is advisable to check the specific opening times before planning your visit, as times may change without prior notice. This can be done by contacting the local authorities in Pistoia. You can try to contact them by clicking here on the AdiexItália website! or by contacting the Comune of Pistoia, clicking here!

On some occasions, guided tours may be available, which offer a more detailed insight into the history and importance of the monument. Information about guided tours can be obtained from local authorities or the Brazilian consulate in Italy.

Important!

• As this is a place of remembrance and homage, it is important that visitors maintain respectful conduct during their visit. This includes appropriate behavior and respect for the environment and other people present.

Where to Eat in Pistoia?

I recommend Nati Stanchi Enoteca, with an excellent wine selection, offering dishes that pair perfectly with the entire menu. A modern, tasty place with impeccable service.

The selection of organic wines arises mainly from the passion for the world of natural, organic and biodynamic wines, a passion developed thanks to the producers, whom we call Oenologists, who with their bottles know how to tell the specificities of their vineyards, the native vines that they laboriously preserve, the different harvests and the centuries-old traditions that they pass on to us. A passion that the oenologists have irremediably infected us with and that is the same passion that we want to pass on and make known to all enthusiasts and those curious about good wine.

• Official Website: Nati Stanchi Enoteca
• Address: Via Pietro Bozzi 7 – Pistoia.
• Opening hours: every day, from 11:00 to 15:00 and from 18:00 to 00:00.

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Map with attractions in Pistoia in Tuscany

Source: Google Maps

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Conclusion

Let’s get to know Pistoia in Tuscany? If you’re strolling through Tuscany, near Florence, and want to get to know a city that enchants, head to Pistoia! It’s the kind of city that, even though it’s small, is huge in its historical, cultural and natural value; it’s exciting!

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