Experience Pistoia (Italy) Like a Local: 19 Hidden landmarks and archaeological sites Gems to Discover
Unveil the top 19 must-visit landmarks and archaeological sites in Pistoia (Italy) with our curated list. Immerse yourself in 19 best landmarks and archaeological sites or discover hidden treasures with 19 must-visit landmarks and archaeological sites. Don’t miss 19 top-rated landmarks and archaeological sites to experience Pistoia (Italy) ‘s best.
Information about Pistoia (Italy)
Pistoia was once known as “Latin Pistoria”, and it is a wonderful city located in the heart of the Italian region of Tuscany, and it is one of the destinations that attract large numbers of tourists every year, thanks to its embrace of many wonderful historical, cultural and architectural attractions dating back to Middle Ages, about which many wonderful tales are told. This city provides the opportunity for tourists to enjoy shopping in its vibrant markets, in addition to tasting traditional local dishes; Distinguished music festivals are also held at certain times of the year.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Pistoia
Discover the top landmarks and archaeological sites destinations in Pistoia (Italy) with our hand-picked list, chosen with care by our expert team based on the feedback and ratings from previous visitors. Let us help you plan the perfect trip.
1- Chiesa di San Leone
Chiesa di San Leone – The Church of San Leon, formerly known as the Chapel or the Church of Santo Spirito, is a small Roman Catholic church in Pistoia. The church was built in the beautiful Baroque style in the thirteenth century, and since that time it has been visited by more than a hundred thousand visitors and worshipers every year. When visiting the church, visitors will find ceilings covered in amazing paintings, beautiful statues, a wonderfully beautiful golden altar, and many more.
Place address: Piazza S. Leone, 2, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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2- Brazilian Cemetery Pistoia
Brazilian Cemetery Pistoia – The Brazilian cemetery is a cemetery established before World War II to honor the Brazilian soldiers who died during their fight against foreign agendas in defense of Italy in and after World War I. At first it was only a memorial, but in 1960 the remains of all Brazilian soldiers were transferred to the monument. The cemetery contains the remains of 463 soldiers. The cemetery is one of the most beautiful sights in Pistoia, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit it!
Place address: Via delle Sei Arcole, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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3- Palazzo Buontalenti
Palazzo Buontalenti – Palazzo Buontalente is a fine example of Florentine architecture from the late 16th century. This palace contains art exhibits collected from different countries around the world. Among the exhibits, visitors will find statues, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and more. This museum is characterized by the fact that its exhibits are from different time periods, as there are ancient exhibits from the Roman era, and modern exhibits from the twenty-first century.
Place address: Via de’ Rossi, 7, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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4- Cathedral of San Zeno
Cathedral of San Zeno – Pistoia Cathedral or the Cathedral of St. Zeno is the main religious building in Pistoia, located in Piazza del Duomo in the city centre, and is the seat of the Bishop of Pistoia and holds dozens of major religious rites for the Tuscany region. The cathedral was probably built in the tenth century AD, and historians think that because its facade was built in the stunning Romanesque style. Through the ages, the rulers of the city made adjustments to the cathedral, but it retained its beautiful general character.
Place address: Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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5- Parrocchia di San Bartolomeo
Parrocchia di San Bartolomeo – The Basilica of San Bartolomeo in Pistoia is one of the Roman Catholic cathedrals in the region of Tuscany and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the city. The cathedral was built in the year 1166 AD on the ruins of another church that had been on the site since the year 809 AD. The cathedral is famous for its exquisite details, high towers, and majestic statues. It is one of the easily accessible landmarks in the city due to its central location in the city.
Place address: Piazza S. Bartolomeo, 11, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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6- San Giovanni Fuoricivitas
San Giovanni Fuoricivitas – The Basilica of San Giovanni Foricitas is a stunning church built in the 12th century A.D. It was initially outside the city walls, but as the centuries passed the city expanded greatly and the church became within its territory. The church was very small when it was built, and it would have undergone huge expansions over the ages, but visitors can still see its original decorated facade. The church of San Giovanni Foricivitas attracted famous artists who turned it into one of the most important churches in Italy.
Place address: Via Francesco Crispi, 2, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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7- Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Humility
Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Humility – According to legend, on 17 July 1490, in the midst of infighting between the local families of Panciace and Cancelleri, some people saw blood dripping from the forehead of a fresco of the Virgin Mary painted on a chapel, which was interpreted as a sign of Our Lady’s suffering from bloodshed in the area. The miracle was confirmed by Bishop Niccolo Pandolfini, and the important families of Pistoia decided to build a sanctuary to honor the Virgin. The construction of this great building was completed in the year 1569, and since that time tens of thousands of visitors visit the church every year.
Place address: Via della Madonna, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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8- Chiesa di Sant’Andrea
Chiesa di Sant’Andrea – The Church of St. Andrea in Pistoia is considered one of the most important and famous churches in the city. It is believed that it was built in the seventh century due to its architectural details in the Gothic style. The church has undergone many restorations, but the restoration process that took place in the twelfth century changed its original form completely. The church contains dozens of amazing works of art, but the most famous work is the altar of Giovanni Pisano carved in the thirteenth century, in which visitors will be able to see the story of Christ’s life from its beginning to its end.
Place address: Via Sant’Andrea, 21, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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9- Villa La Magia
Villa La Magia – Villa La Maggia is one of the symbols of the Renaissance in Tuscany, as it was built in the fourteenth century by the wealthy Benciati family, and then bought by a member of the de’ Medici royal family a few years later. It is a magnificent villa surrounded by fountains and vast gardens that will dazzle everyone who sees it. Inside the villa, visitors will also find majestic murals, gilded plasterwork, spacious rooms, and many more. UNESCO has placed this villa on the World Heritage List for its magnificence.
Place address: Via Vecchia Fiorentina, n. 63, 51039 Quarrata PT, Italy
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10- Rocca di Castruccio
Rocca di Castruccio – This castle arose as a result of the ongoing conflict between the cities of Lucca and Florence against the city of Pistoia. This castle was designed to be very strong and ready to withstand any siege. The castle was built in the twelfth century, and there are only some simple remains that testify to its long history. From the castle tower, visitors can get majestic views of the city and its surrounding villages and mountains.
Place address: 51030 Serravalle Pistoiese, Province of Pistoia, Italy
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11- Battistero di San Giovanni
Battistero di San Giovanni – The decision to build this stunning Gothic-style church was taken in 1303, and the two-tone marble exterior was completed in 1339 by the famous architect Celino de Nice. It is believed that this building was inspired by the eastern Levantine buildings, as this architect visited the Levant and admired the unique white and gray architecture. Inside, the church features a stunning golden altar and mosaic-covered walls.
Place address: Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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12- Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie – The legend says that this church was built after a young girl from the neighborhood hospital was cured of her illness after seeing the Virgin Mary in the thirteenth century, and that hospital room then became a place for prayer, and in the fifteenth century this church was built to preserve the bed on which the miracle occurred. The church is distinguished by its magnificent architecture, with majestic interior decorations, a white dome, and tall towers.
Place address: Piazza S. Lorenzo, 26, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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13- Fortezza di Santa Barbara
Fortezza di Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara is an urban castle from the fourteenth century that was built to house the troops guarding the town of Pistoia in the Tuscany region of Italy. The castle is still in very excellent condition, and therefore hundreds of thousands of tourists visit it every year to explore it and learn about its long and detailed history. From the towers of the castle, majestic views of the city and the surrounding mountains can be obtained. The castle is surrounded by vast green spaces in which you can take walks and practice various types of sports.
Place address: Piazza della Resistenza, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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14- Castello Villa Smilea
Castello Villa Smilea – Castello Villa Smilia is an old building, historians suggest that the date of its construction was in the eleventh century because of its architectural details that are far from extravagance and luxury. Despite that, the building is very beautiful and is still in very excellent condition despite the passage of more than 10 centuries since its construction. This building is surrounded by vast green spaces where visitors will be able to relax and enjoy their time with their families and friends.
Place address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 2, 51037 Montale PT, Italy
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15- Pistoia Sotterranea
Pistoia Sotterranea – The historic man-made caves of Pistoia Sotrania lie beneath a historic hospital in the city dating back to the 13th century AD, one of the most famous landmarks of Pistoia, and a place with a rich and long history. These caves were used as a room for teaching the anatomy of the human body, and in these caves also flowed the course of a river that built the hospital directly above it, and at that time it served as a sewage network for the hospital.
Place address: Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 15, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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16- Town Hall
Town Hall – This Gothic palace was built between 1294 and 1385, and although hundreds of years have passed since its construction, it is still in use. The palace was built in the heart of the historic city, and it is not possible to visit Pistoia without passing through it even once. Today there are halls where official ceremonies are held, a chapel where services are held every Sunday, and a high tower from which amazing views of the city are obtained.
Place address: Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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17- Castello di Montemurlo
Castello di Montemurlo – Montemurlo Castle is a military architectural complex built initially for the defense of the city, and then in the middle of the 16th century transformed into an elegant residential complex. The castle consists of two main buildings, both of which have similar architectural details. The castle also has a picturesque outdoor garden where visitors can take a picnic with their families and friends. Do not miss the opportunity to visit it!
Place address: Via Nino Bixio, 59013 Castello PO, Italy
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18- Tower of Catiline
Tower of Catiline – The medieval Catlin Tower rises 30 meters and is located in the heart of Pistoia, offering majestic views of the city and surrounding villages from above. The tower was built in the years between 1276 and 1348. It is still in very excellent condition, as it was built from the best materials and components of its time. It can be easily reached by public transportation because it is located in the Cathedral Square, so do not miss the opportunity to visit it!
Place address: S.da Statale Porrettana, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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19- Piazza d’Armi
Piazza d’Armi – Military exercises took place in this wonderful square in the city until the middle of the twentieth century, and it is fortified with tall buildings and towers and surrounded by vast gardens and wide green spaces. Visitors come in the present time to this square to stroll with their friends and families, to learn about the historical dimension of the place, and to explore the majestic monuments distributed throughout the square.
Place address: Piazza della Resistenza, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy
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Conclusion
Exploring Pistoia (Italy) is a journey that will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating histories. Our guide has given you a taste of the must-see destinations and hidden treasures that await, but there’s always more to discover. Take the time to connect with the locals, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions and customs that make Pistoia (Italy) so special. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, Pistoia (Italy) has something to offer everyone. As you journey through this remarkable region, we invite you to let go of your worries and embrace the present moment. Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Pistoia (Italy) . We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Until then, happy exploring!