A few kilometres from the more famous destinations in Tuscany such as Florence and Pisa, a little off the usual tourist track, the province of Pistoia, with its beautiful scenery and its rich artistic and cultural heritage, is sure to be a real discovery: wherever they look the visitor will find the beauty of nature and masterpieces of art side by side in harmony. From tourism in search of art to that in the mountains, from the spa holiday to the business trip, from countryside to gastronomic tourism, the possibilities offered by the region are rich and varied, and ready all year round to welcome and involve the traveller.
Those who are passionate about history and the works of man can take a fascinating trip to the past first by visiting Pistoia and Pescia, the cities of art, where medieval, Renaissance and baroque reveal themselves in palaces, arcades and churches, and also by discovering the hamlets, castles and country churches which are just as rich historically and artistically. Nature-lovers will find an extraordinary variety of landscapes and natural environments: the gentle hills of Montalbano and Svizzera Pesciatina, the summer green and winter snow of the mountains, the marshlands of the Padule di Fucecchio and of the Querciola in Quarrata, and the green of the nurseries. Those who love sport can go skiing at the well-known ski resort whose main centre is Abetone, cycle the region, or simply pursue their chosen sports in pleasant and relaxing surroundings. Those looking to regenerate body and spirit can find relaxation and well-being in the famous spa centres of Montecatini Terme and Monsummano Terme. Families on holiday will find many opportunities to amuse the kids, for example with a visit to Collodi, the birthplace of the most famous puppet in all the world: Pinocchio. For the gourmet, an appetising trip on the trail of genuine, authentic flavours, tasting traditional traditional products and local dishes and delicacies both in small homely restaurants and on the occasion of the numerous festivals. Those more interested in the cultural, religious and folk heritage can connect with the land and its long history through the folkloristic traditions, celebrations, displays and fairs. The region also offers a great deal to those seeking culture, from the Museums which contain many fascinating and rich displays, right through to cultural events, theatre and musical shows, guided tours etc which are organised all year round, including during the winter months. Also not to be missed is the Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese, whose themed open-air itineraries taking in museums and learning centres offer a unique perspective on the history, traditions and culture of the mountains. There is a wide selection of accomodation, from the grand hotels to the small and pleasant bed & breakfasts, from the holiday houses to the traditional farmhouses, to the mountain refuges and the campsites. Just as varied and interesting are the themed itineraries to be found off the beaten track throughout the area.
Those who are passionate about history and the works of man can take a fascinating trip to the past first by visiting Pistoia and Pescia, the cities of art, where medieval, Renaissance and baroque reveal themselves in palaces, arcades and churches, and also by discovering the hamlets, castles and country churches which are just as rich historically and artistically. Nature-lovers will find an extraordinary variety of landscapes and natural environments: the gentle hills of Montalbano and Svizzera Pesciatina, the summer green and winter snow of the mountains, the marshlands of the Padule di Fucecchio and of the Querciola in Quarrata, and the green of the nurseries. Those who love sport can go skiing at the well-known ski resort whose main centre is Abetone, cycle the region, or simply pursue their chosen sports in pleasant and relaxing surroundings. Those looking to regenerate body and spirit can find relaxation and well-being in the famous spa centres of Montecatini Terme and Monsummano Terme. Families on holiday will find many opportunities to amuse the kids, for example with a visit to Collodi, the birthplace of the most famous puppet in all the world: Pinocchio. For the gourmet, an appetising trip on the trail of genuine, authentic flavours, tasting traditional traditional products and local dishes and delicacies both in small homely restaurants and on the occasion of the numerous festivals. Those more interested in the cultural, religious and folk heritage can connect with the land and its long history through the folkloristic traditions, celebrations, displays and fairs. The region also offers a great deal to those seeking culture, from the Museums which contain many fascinating and rich displays, right through to cultural events, theatre and musical shows, guided tours etc which are organised all year round, including during the winter months. Also not to be missed is the Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese, whose themed open-air itineraries taking in museums and learning centres offer a unique perspective on the history, traditions and culture of the mountains. There is a wide selection of accomodation, from the grand hotels to the small and pleasant bed & breakfasts, from the holiday houses to the traditional farmhouses, to the mountain refuges and the campsites. Just as varied and interesting are the themed itineraries to be found off the beaten track throughout the area.
HOW TO GET TO PISTOIA
BY PLANE
Pistoia is within 40 minutes of the international airports at Pisa and Florence by car, bus or train.
International Airport "Amerigo Vespucci" di Firenze
International Airport "Galileo Galilei" di Pisa
Servizio Fly-bus Service
BY TRAIN
Pistoia and the surrounding areas are served by the stations along the Firenze – Lucca – Viareggio line: Montale/Agliana, Pistoia, Serravalle Pistoiese, Montecatini Terme, Borgo a Buggiano, Pescia.
From Florence: Stazione S.Maria Novella
From Pisa: Stazione Centrale e Stazione Pisa Aeroporto From Prato: Stazione Centrale
From Viareggio: Stazione Centrale
Trenitalia Information: 892021
BY CAR
Take the Autostrada A11 "Firenze - Mare". Exit: Prato Ovest (Quarrata, Agliana e Montale), Pistoia, Montecatini Terme, Chiesina Uzzanese (Pescia).
Approaching from Milan:Autostrada A1 towards Firenze and, at the junction for Firenze Nord, take the exit for Autostrada A11 "Firenze Mare" towards Pisa.
Approaching from Rome: Autostrada A1 towards Firenze and, at the junction for Firenze Nord, take the exit for Autostrada A11 "Firenze Mare" towards Pisa.
Approaching from Genova- Livorno: Autostrada A12 and, at the junction for Pisa Nord, take the exit for Autostrada A1 towards Firenze and then Autostrada A11 "Firenze Mare" towards Pisa.
Traffic Information: 892525
Società Autostrade
BY BUS
Pistoia and its environs are well served by an extensive bus network.
Autolinee BluBus
Orari Linea 51: Firenze - Poggio a Caiano - Quarrata - Pistoia (Download PDF)
Orari Linea Firenze Pistoia via Autostrada A11 (Download PDF)
Pistoia is within 40 minutes of the international airports at Pisa and Florence by car, bus or train.
International Airport "Amerigo Vespucci" di Firenze
International Airport "Galileo Galilei" di Pisa
Servizio Fly-bus Service
BY TRAIN
Pistoia and the surrounding areas are served by the stations along the Firenze – Lucca – Viareggio line: Montale/Agliana, Pistoia, Serravalle Pistoiese, Montecatini Terme, Borgo a Buggiano, Pescia.
From Florence: Stazione S.Maria Novella
From Pisa: Stazione Centrale e Stazione Pisa Aeroporto From Prato: Stazione Centrale
From Viareggio: Stazione Centrale
Trenitalia Information: 892021
BY CAR
Take the Autostrada A11 "Firenze - Mare". Exit: Prato Ovest (Quarrata, Agliana e Montale), Pistoia, Montecatini Terme, Chiesina Uzzanese (Pescia).
Approaching from Milan:Autostrada A1 towards Firenze and, at the junction for Firenze Nord, take the exit for Autostrada A11 "Firenze Mare" towards Pisa.
Approaching from Rome: Autostrada A1 towards Firenze and, at the junction for Firenze Nord, take the exit for Autostrada A11 "Firenze Mare" towards Pisa.
Approaching from Genova- Livorno: Autostrada A12 and, at the junction for Pisa Nord, take the exit for Autostrada A1 towards Firenze and then Autostrada A11 "Firenze Mare" towards Pisa.
Traffic Information: 892525
Società Autostrade
BY BUS
Pistoia and its environs are well served by an extensive bus network.
Autolinee BluBus
Orari Linea 51: Firenze - Poggio a Caiano - Quarrata - Pistoia (Download PDF)
Orari Linea Firenze Pistoia via Autostrada A11 (Download PDF)
Informations provided by Pistoia Turismo:
Email: info@pistoiaturismo.it
Web: www.pistoiaturismo.it
