Pistoia: Doganaccia, Culture and Nature in the Apennines
Accommodation in Pistoia
Pistoia combines a clear connection to winter sports with a rich cultural offering and the landscapes of the Pistoia Apennines. The Doganaccia ski area can be reached from Cutigliano by cable car in eight minutes. It offers around 15 kilometres of slopes, three of which are illuminated for night skiing.
File:18-09-09 Lavori sulla rete ferroviara in provincia di Pistoia.jpg
Photo: Alexmar983 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Culture and History
In Pistoia’s historic centre, the Fondazione Pistoia Musei operates four museum sites. The Cathedral of San Zeno preserves the silver altar, considered one of the most important works of Italian and European Gothic goldsmithing, as well as a relic of Saint James. In the Chiesa di San Jacopo in Castellare, the frescoes illustrate the development of local painting from the 13th to the late 14th century.
The Museo del Novecento e del Contemporaneo di Palazzo Fabroni displays the city’s permanent collection of modern and contemporary art and hosts temporary exhibitions. Beneath the city of Pistoia, Pistoia Sotterranea offers a guided archaeological tour extending for around 650 metres beneath the hospital. It explores the historical use of water and includes a Roman bridge, medieval washing areas, an ancient city gate and two mills. The older of these mills dates back to the 12th century.
The surrounding area of Pistoia is also home to the Oltre Museum, Palazzo Rospigliosi, the Museo Civico Pistoia and the Museo dell'Antico Ospedale Del Ceppo. The Museo Ferrucciano di Gavinana in the province of Pistoia commemorates Francesco Ferrucci and the historic Battle of Gavinana of 1530. The Piazza d'Armi garden is located near Pistoia.
Nature
There are fifteen protected areas in the province of Pistoia. The diverse landscape encompasses different habitats as well as a rich variety of animal and plant life. The Padule di Fucecchio is designated there as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The WWF-affiliated Oasi Dynamo nature reserve is located in the province of Pistoia. It covers more than 1,000 hectares of the Pistoia Apennines, reaching an altitude of 1,100 metres. The mountains of Monte Pozzo del Bagno, Parmolaio and Poggio di Valcapratica are also located in the surrounding area of Pistoia.
Trails and Regional Experiences
In the province of Pistoia, the 9-kilometre Ecomuseum hiking trail Sentiero della Ghiacciaia connects the Ghiacciaia della Madonnina with the Giardino dell’Energia Rinnovabile in Pontepetri. Five pilgrimage routes cross in Pistoia and the Montagna Pistoiese, combining history, tradition and unspoilt landscapes.
The railway is another regional speciality. The still-active Ferrovia Porrettana runs daily between Pistoia and Porretta. Historic trains operated by the Porrettana Express also run in the province of Pistoia, with vintage carriages, workshops, excursions and guided tours.
For visitors who want to explore routes beyond winter sports, a mountain-bike circular route begins in Pistoia near the city centre at Piazza Oplà and climbs towards Germinaia and Iano, offering panoramic views of the city along the way. Another circular route starting from Sammommè passes through areas of the Montagna Pistoiese with chestnut and beech forests.
Regional Cuisine
In the Montagna Pistoiese, necci are thin flatbreads made from chestnut flour. Traditionally, they are rolled into a cannolo shape and filled with ricotta.
For further destination options: Abetone, San Marcello Pistoiese.
For the higher-level travel overview: Tuscany.
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