Pistoia - A Hidden Gem in Tuscany

If you are looking for an ideal place to go on holiday, and want to stay somewhere familiar and yet off the beaten path, Pistoia is an exceptional option for staying in the popular and stunning area of Tuscany. Villas in the province of Pistoia can give you the peace and quiet you crave, while keeping you close to some of the beautiful cities in the region.

Located in the Tuscan region in the eastern part of Italy, the province of Pistoia is a quiet and often overlooked location that boasts the two popular and pretty cities of Pistoia and Pescia; their winding streets and traditional feeling are all just a short distance away from the bustling capital of Florence. While you are in the province, be sure to spend a day exploring the history and buildings of Pistoia and Pescia.

The City of Pistoia

The city of Pistoia is the capital of the province of the same name and is tucked away in the heart of Tuscany. Villas near the city will place you a mere 30 kilometres from Florence, but Pistoia is a place worth exploring too. Pistoia is famous for being the manufacturing place of the pistol, the small handgun to which it lent its name, created in the 16th century. Though the city has a rich industrial past, it also has a variety of traditional sights and places that are worth visiting. Be sure to head to the centre of town to the Piazza del Duomo, where the square is lined with beautiful buildings, including the Pistoia Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of San Zeno, which is thought to have been built in the 10th century. It burnt down, however, and was rebuilt the following century and added to over the years. From the Cathedral, you can explore the San Giovanni Battista, the San Benedetto, and the large and impressive Renaissance Palazzo Panciatichi. Then, before heading out of the city, take a stroll along the 14th century walls and see the place where the four gates were located, but have been subsequently destroyed.

The City of Pescia

Located in the central area between Lucca and Florence, in the hills of Tuscany, villas around the city of Pescia allow easy access to both the larger cities and Pescia itself. During the 13th century, Lucca occupied the city of Pescia and subsequently destroyed it, but it was rebuilt. It was later fought over by Florence and Lucca, with Florence coming out on top in 1339, after 10 years of fighting. The city used to be famed for its production of silks, but in the late 1800s the silk commerce dropped and it had to look to other industries for survival.

When you are there be sure to visit the Palazzo del Vicario, which is now the town hall. From there, seek out the cathedral in the city centre, where you will find a tomb by sculptor and architect Raffaello da Montelupo, before you call it a day and head back out into the less populated area of Tuscany. Villas close to the city are a great option for easy access to the history of Pescia - where you will undoubtedly want to return again and again.