Not far from Florence is the Tuscan town of Pistoia. Pistoia is much smaller than Florence and thus very walkable, with worthwhile architecture and art.
Here are a few fun facts about Pistoia:
Pistoia was once inhabited by Gallic, Ligurian and Etruscan peoples.
The town and surrounding area became a Roman colony in the 6th century BC.
Many centuries later, after being ruled by the Lombard kings, Pistoia became a free town in 1177. However, Pistoia fell under Florence's control in 1254.
One story tells us that the word pistol comes from the name Pistoia. Guns were manufactured in Pistoia starting in the 1500's.
Pistoia is Italy's 2017 Capital of Culture and, after touring the town, we understand why Pistoia deserved the honor.
Below are some photos from our visit to Pistoia.
The Main Square, the Piazza del Duomo:
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| Panorama of the main square |
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| Model of the main square |
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| The campanile, or bell tower |
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| The Town Hall (the Palazzo Comunale), with some random hottie |
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| A balcony on the front of the Town Hall with the flay of Italy and the Medici coat of arms |
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| Inner courtyard of the Town Hall, with a small balcony and a sculpture by Marino Marini (The Miracle, or Miracolo, from 1953-1954) |
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| Inside the Praetorian Palace, the ancient tribunal, decorated with frescoes |
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| Inside the Praetorian Palace, stone benches and a table for meeting of the tribunal |
The Duomo, the Cathedral of St. Zeno:
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| Glazed terra cotta artwork over the main door, by Andrea della Robbia (1504-1505) |
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| Close up of Madonna with Child and Angels, by della Robbia (1505) |
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| The main altar. Although hard to discern, the head of the figure in the painting is haloed with actual sunlight from a window in the church. |
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| Inside the baptistery, a full-immersion baptismal font (foreground) and altar (behind) |
Next Up: More churches in Pistoia.
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