Begin your journey in Pistoia, in the monumental heart of the city: Piazza del Duomo, meeting at the Tourist Information Office. From here, we can admire the exterior of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte, with its refined octagonal structure clad in marble.
Next to the Baptistery stands the Cathedral of Saint Zeno, with its Romanesque façade, elegant portico, and sculptural decorations. Inside, immerse yourself in a solemn and intimate atmosphere enriched by austere naves, precious liturgical furnishings, and the Chapel of Saint James (entrance by donation), home to the celebrated Silver Altar of Saint James, an authentic masterpiece of medieval goldsmithing.
A short walk leads to Piazza della Sala, the city’s historic commercial centre and former market square. Surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings, it still preserves a lively and authentic atmosphere, with cafés, local shops, and daily life unfolding around the Fontana del Can Bianco, an ancient public well topped by the iconic marble dog, a beloved symbol and meeting place for the people of Pistoia.
Continue through narrow cobbled streets and timeless corners to reach Saint Giovanni Fuorcivitas, one of the finest examples of Pistoian Romanesque architecture. Its exterior is striking for its bichrome marble bands and sculpted reliefs, while the interior reveals a rich and intimate harmony. Columns and arches frame important works of art, including the famous sculpted pulpit and medieval paintings that bear witness to the city’s artistic vitality.
Cross the historic centre to reach the Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle, one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Pistoia. The church is renowned for the magnificent Pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, created between 1298 and 1301 and considered one of the masterpieces of Italian Gothic sculpture. Its simple yet elegant interior also preserves valuable artworks that reflect the city’s rich religious and artistic heritage.
Continuing the guided tour, we will arrive at the impressive Ospedale del Ceppo. This Renaissance masterpiece is famous for its glazed terracotta frieze created by the Della Robbia family, depicting the Works of Mercy with extraordinary realism and profound humanity, telling a powerful storey of charity and social care.
Conclude your tour among the elegant streets surrounding the Town Hall and the Palazzo Pretorio, symbols of the city’s political and judicial past. Leave with the lasting memory of Pistoia, an authentic and charming Tuscan city, best discovered slowly on foot and through the stories that only a local guide can bring to life.
