A silver altar in the cathedral, medieval frescoes and traces of ancient water use beneath the city: Pistoia offers several ways to explore history and art. In the province, the view opens onto wetlands, forests and paths in the Apennines. You can shape your stay around the discoveries that interest you most—from the city’s cultural heritage to regional landscapes and traditions.

Art, Churches and History in Pistoia

In Pistoia’s historic center, the Fondazione Pistoia Musei operates four museum locations. The specific makeup of the museum locations may change over time. The Cathedral of San Zeno preserves a striking testament to sacred art: its silver altar, considered one of the most important works of Italian and European Gothic goldsmithing, and a relic of Saint James. The altar brings together craftsmanship and the city’s religious heritage.

The Chiesa di San Jacopo in Castellare is also one of Pistoia’s important art venues. Its frescoes trace the development of local painting from the 13th to the late 14th century. Those interested in more recent art can find the city’s permanent collection of modern and contemporary art at the Museo del Novecento e del Contemporaneo di Palazzo Fabroni, alongside temporary exhibitions. Together, these places show the range of artistic periods preserved in Pistoia.

Pistoia Sotterranea offers another way to explore the city’s past: this guided archaeological tour beneath Pistoia examines the historical use of water and extends for about 650 meters beneath the hospital. The finds described there include a Roman bridge, medieval washhouses, an ancient city gate and two mills. The oldest of these mills dates to the 12th century. As access conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

Wetlands and Apennine Landscapes

The Province of Pistoia includes fifteen protected areas and a variety of habitats with abundant wildlife and plant life. Padule di Fucecchio is designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. A very different landscape characterizes the WWF-associated Oasi Dynamo nature reserve in the Pistoia Apennines: it covers more than 1,000 hectares and reaches an elevation of 1,100 meters. The wetland and the Apennine reserve represent different facets of the region’s natural environment, and offer different kinds of landscape experiences.

Trails also give the region a cultural connection. Five pilgrimage routes intersect in Pistoia and the Montagna Pistoiese, linking history, tradition and unspoiled landscapes. In the province, the nine-kilometer Sentiero della Ghiacciaia Ecomuseum trekking route runs from the Ghiacciaia della Madonnina to the Giardino dell’Energia Rinnovabile in Pontepetri. Meanwhile, the Museo Ferrucciano di Gavinana focuses on local history: it commemorates Francesco Ferrucci and the historic Battle of Gavinana in 1530.

Circular Routes, Railway and Winter Activities

Two different landscape settings are described for mountain bikers. A circular route in Pistoia starts near the city center at Piazza Oplà and climbs toward Germinaia and Iano, offering panoramic views of the city along the way. The circular route from Sammommè passes through areas of the Montagna Pistoiese with chestnut and beech forests. When choosing between the two routes, you can weigh the city views and climb against the forest areas. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The still-operating Ferrovia Porrettana runs daily between Pistoia and Porretta. As schedules may change, it is a good idea to check the current timetable before traveling. The seasonal Porrettana Express program, with historic trains and vintage carriages, is different; it includes workshops, excursions and guided tours. Check the dates in advance. Another winter option is the Doganaccia ski area, reachable from Cutigliano by cable car in eight minutes. The slopes cover about 15 kilometers, three of which are lit for night skiing. Check whether the cable car is operating and the ski area conditions before traveling.

Necci from the Montagna Pistoiese

Necci are part of the regional cuisine of the Montagna Pistoiese: thin chestnut-flour pancakes traditionally rolled into a cannolo shape and filled with ricotta. The combination of chestnut flour and ricotta gives this specialty its distinctive, clearly defined form. It offers a taste of the Montagna Pistoiese tradition and adds a regional food experience to the province’s cultural and landscape discoveries.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: San Marcello Pistoiese, Larciano, Abetone, Buggiano, Cutigliano, Lamporecchio, Marliana, Massa E Cozzile, Monsummano Terme, Montecatini Terme, Pescia, Pistoia, Quarrata, Serravalle Pistoiese, Uzzano, Pieve A Nievole, Montale, Piteglio, Chiesina Uzzanese, Ponte Buggianese, Sambuca Pistoiese, Agliana, Pianosinatico, Campo Tizzoro, Limestre, Stiappa, Pracchia, Lizzanello, Castagno, Cecina and Panicagliora.

For the broader travel overview: Tuscany.