PISTOIA: A POOL OF SOLITUDE
Before we tell you anything else about Pistoia, we must inform you that the word ‘pistol’ derives from this city, originally because of the blades that were made here, and then because of the guns. Fascinating, huh? This is only one of the reasons that make Pistoia an attractive tourist destination, the others being its rich cultural history, and the well-preserved and charming medieval city inside the old walls. Pistoia is also rapidly becoming a centre for agritourism in Tuscany, and we have on offer farmhouses and residences that will turn your visit into a memorable experience.
Pistoia is also the capital of the province of Pistoia, and is located about 30 km west and north of Florence. Called Pistoria in Roman times, it was a centre of Gallic, Ligurian and Etruscan settlements before it became a Roman colony in the 6th century BC. From the 5th century the city was a bishopric, and under the Lombard kingdom it was a royal city. Pistoia’s golden age began in 1177 when it declared itself a free commune. In the years that followed, the city became an important political centre.
In 1254, Guelph Florence took over the Ghibelline Pistoia, and it remained a Florentine holding except for a brief period in the 14th century, when Castruccio Castracani captured it for Lucca, and was officially annexed to Florence in 1530. Michelangelo, unfortunately, called the people of Pistoia the “enemies of heaven”, and even Dante’s Divine Comedy had a character called Vanni Fucci, who we see in Inferno tangled up in a knot of snakes while cursing God.
Happily, Pistoia today is notable for its vast garden nurseries and flower markets, as well as its archaeological attractions. The Piazza del Duomo is lined with attractive buildings like the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo del Podestà. The piazza also hosts, in July, the Giostra dell’Orso (Bear Joust), when horsemen tilt with lances at a target held up by a dummy shaped like a bear.
The Cathedral of San Zeno, burned down in 1108 and rebuilt in the following century, has a Romanesque façade, while the interior displays Baroque adornments removed during the 1960s. Its outstanding feature is the silver Altar of St James, begun in 1287 and finished only in the 15th century. Its various sections contain 628 figures, and the total weighs nearly a ton. The Piazza del Duomo is also home to the 14th century Baptistery, made of marble in Gothic style.
Come and see the other attractions of Pistoia for yourself, but before you set out, consult our list of hotels, farmhouses, bed & breakfasts, and apartments in Pistoia. The accommodations that we recommend offer you every modern amenity and provide facilities for safe online booking.
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TUSCANY BED & BREAKFASTS: CATCH THE LOCAL FLAVOUR
Tuscany is paradise on earth for most Tuscans, and for several thousand tourists as well. Naturally, for a region that thrives on tourism, accommodation facilities are as varied as they are comfortable, keeping in mind the individual requirements of a traveller. And bed and breakfasts are among the most popular forms of accommodation in Tuscany, because these are largely farm-based accommodation units that give you a genuine taste of rural Tuscan life. As you probably know, Tuscany is famed for its vineyards and olive orchards, and agritourism is immensely popular among visitors. Our list of Tuscany bed & breakfasts accommodation in Tuscany is perfect for you to experience all the charms of Tuscany at its best.
The Tuscany bed and breakfasts that we have selected offer the best in modern comforts while retaining all their old world charm. We also provide you a direct link to the accommodation of your choice, so you can deal with the host directly. Many of our bed & breakfasts in Tuscany also host wine tasting sessions, and guests are welcome to participate, because you need not be a sommelier to appreciate good wine.
The essence of any bed & breakfast is homeliness and a family atmosphere. While we certainly guarantee those in any Tuscan bed & breakfast of our choice, you will also be treated like royalty and stay in surroundings that are best described as plush. At the Castello della Paneretta, for instance, you have five finely furnished bedrooms in the relais adjacent to the castle. The bed & breakfast accommodation is located in the Montesanto area, and is renowned for vineyards. The garden in front of the property is outstanding for its magnificent lawn bordered by green fences alternating with rose bushes and elegant statues. The ground-floor rooms host tasting sessions of the prestigious wines produced by the estate, and special dinners based on typical Tuscan dishes, carefully prepared by the family chefs.
That is merely one example of the kind of accommodation that we offer you if you choose a bed and breakfast accommodation in Tuscany from our list. You will experience the delights of some excellent and typically Tuscan cooking, sample some of the world’s best wines, and live amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes to be found in Italy. What more could you ask for on a vacation to this beautiful country? For a complete list of Tuscany bed & breakfasts, please visit us without delay!
