Ten things to do in Pistoia, Tuscany

Journey through the labyrinth of the history of Pistoia Underground

Delve underground the city of Pistoia to discover its history with a tour of the Museum of Pistoia Underground. A 650 metre long labyrinth houses one of the worlds oldest continuously operating hospitals, Ceppo Hospital of Pistoia, founded in 1277. Accompanied by your guide, discover the oldest architectural remains of this beautiful city.

Experience the heart and soul of the city at the Piazza del Duomo

Originally a Roman forum, then a medieval marketplace, and then the heart of a rich Renaissance town, the Piazza is now a place of social interaction, providing a weekly market for its inhabitants. A 67 metre-high campanile sits in the centre of the square, which draws your eyes upwards to the sky, providing a feeling of grandeur. This is the place to start when visiting Pistoia for the first time.

Marvel at the magnificent Altar of San Jacopo inside The Cathedral of Pistoia

Located in the Pistoia Duomo, an altar of embossed silver sits, dedicated to San Jacopo, the patron saint of Pistoia. A magnificent ensemble of gilded statuettes and embossed silver plaques, this altar is certainly a relic to be seen when visiting Pistoia, for its intricacy alone.

Discover the might of the Medici Fortress of Santa Barbara

A quick 10 minute walk from the centre of Pistoia will bring you to one of the mighty Medici fortresses, built in 1563. The Santa Barbara Fortress is a place where you can go for a walk around the public gardens, enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city, and in Summer, relax in the amphitheatre with open-air cinemas and live performances.

Free your soul and be enchanted by the rhythm of the Pistoia Blues Festival

One of Italy's most loved and anticipated events, the Pistoia Blues Festival transforms this little town into a live music sensation with performances and exhibits that honour the great names in music, and are dedicated to blues of local and emerging performers. The Pistoia Blues will offer moments of lightness and pure music, and the scenery of the Piazza del Duomo will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Haggle with the locals at Piazza della Sala markets

One of the city's oldest squares, The Sala, as it is commonly referred to, houses a market that sells organic fruits and vegetables during the day. In the evening, take a stroll and stop at one of the restaurants or bars along the sides of the square for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. It is the place to be any time of day or night!

Indulge in a gluttons dream at Bruno Corsini

Pistoia's very own Willy Wonka, Cavalieri Corsini, opened his antique sweet shop in 1918. Today, Bruno Corsini is lined with vintage glass jars filled to the brim with sugared sweets of almond, hazelnuts, and aniseed, as well as a whole host of delicious pralines and chocolates flavoured with different spices. Candy lovers, eat your heart out!

Go on an art trek at the Fattoria di Celle

Not your traditional art exhibition, Fattoria di Celle has been transformed from 19th Century gardens into an utterly original site-specific art museum. Hiking through meadows and gardens, this museum features statues and sculptures set into the woods. Come across Anne and Patrick Porier's Death of Ephialtes who lies prone with an arrow piercing his large marble eye. Utterly magical.

Bathe in the thermal waters of Montecatini Terme

A short 20 minute drive from the heart of Pistoia and you'll come to Montecatini Terme, a town famous for its thermal waters and spas. From massages to mud baths, saunas to beauty treatments, the spas of Montecatini have it all. As well as being a centre of relaxation and rejuvenation, the spas themselves are a superb example of open-air Art Nouveau, just a day trip from Pistoia, that are not to be missed.

Hunt for truffles near San Miniato

One hour south of Pistoia is the medieval hill town of San Miniato. Come mid-October, these townspeople have only one thing on their minds - white truffles. The truffle hunting season sees skilful locals deploying dogs to sniff out these highly prized fungi from amid the roots of gnarled oak trees. Experience it for yourself on a truffle-hunting trip at Barbialla Nuova, a 500 hectare farmstay where you can join the hunt.