Our apartment is located on the third floor of a converted fifteenth century tower house in the historic center of the city of Pistoia. The apartment was renovated in 2008 to include modern amenities (most notably a new kitchen and bathrooms), although the real beauty of the place is its antique elements—colorful marble floors (graniglia), wall decorations, wooden doors, iron fixtures made by Pistoiese artisans, and exposed wooden beams. In short, it’s a charming apartment that exudes history without feeling dated.

Our location couldn’t be more central: you can see the bell tower of the Cathedral in Piazza Duomo from our front windows. The train station is also close, just a 5 minute walk.

The apartment is divided into three bedrooms, a living room with a sofa bed, a dining room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. The kitchen is fully equipped with a dishwasher, washing machine, oven, etc. There is a computer available for your use, and a wireless high speed internet connection for laptops and portable devices.

Parking for non-residents in the historic center is limited, however we can arrange for a guest parking pass. We would also be open to a car exchange.

The building does not have an elevator.

Although it is often overlooked by its more famous Tuscan neighbors, Pistoia is a city rich in history and art. Nestled in the foothills of the Appenine mountains, Pistoia is a perfect gateway to some of the most untouched natural areas in Central Italy. Lovers of skiing (at Abetone), hiking, fishing, cycling, picnicking will find many options (we also have plenty of maps and guides to share). Summer in the mountains is also a time for local festivals (such as Sentieri Acustici, which takes place througout August), making it a perfect time to explore the many hidden mountain villages nearby. Pistoia also boasts a number of fascinating museums, including the Museo Marino Marini (dedicated to modern sculpture), the Civic Museum, Palazzo Fabroni, and medieval architecture (the Cathedral, Church of S. Andrea, Baptistery, Church of S. Bartolomeo).

Pistoia is particularly active in the month of July with two major events, the Giostra dell’Orso, a jousting contest in which different quarters of the city compete, and Pistoia Blues, a major festival that attracts world famous muscians each year.

Pistoia is also home to a thriving daily food market in Piazza della Sala, which has been recognized as one of the finest regional historic markets in Tuscany. This will be your “supermarket” as it is just steps from our apartment. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a much larger market selling clothing and other items is also held on the street where we live.

The downtown area is full of restaurants, wine bars, pubs (most with outdoor seating), food specialty shops, news agents, clothing boutiques--you name it.

For families, Pistoia boasts the largest zoo in Tuscany, many public parks, the closest of which being a converted Medici fortress. Nearby there are also a number of other attractions: an astronomical observatory (in Gavinana), and a wonderful swimming pool surrounded by chestnut trees in the appropriately named Castagno. Pistoia is also just 45 minutes from the sea (Viareggio and other local seaside towns).

For lovers of thermal baths and spas, Montecatine Terme, Monsummano Terme (Grotta Giusti), and Porretta Terme all provide a wide range of services (massages, inhalations, thermal pools, etc.).

The city is also conveniently located near many of the most visited Tuscan cities. It’s just a 20 minute drive to Florence, 25 to Lucca, and 45 to Pisa. Trains to Florence leave roughly every twenty minutes.

Our favorite out-of-the-way spots just outside of Pistoia to visit:

Serravalle Pistoiese
Orsigna
Castagno di Piteccio
Nature Preserve of Acquerino
Vinacciano


Useful links:

http://www.comune.pistoia.it/
http://www.turismo.pistoia.it/
http://www.pistoiablues.com/
http://www.porrettasoul.it/
http://www.zoodipistoia.it/
http://www.summer-festival.com/
http://www.grottagiustispa.com/

http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/intoscana2/export/TurismoRT/sito-TurismoRT/Contenuti/zone_turistiche/Montagna-Pistoiese/index.html

We are open to long weekends (in Italy or in European destinations that can be easily reached by car or plane from Italy) any time of the year.

Ci piacerebbe scambiare il nostro appartamento per dei lunghi fine settimana per visitare città e regioni italiane tutto l'anno.

We are open to exchanges in most European countries.

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Scott is a librarian and professor at an American university in Florence.
Monica is a documentalist/archivist.
Isabella, 10, has a passion for animals and the outdoors
Samuele, 6, loves stealing fruit from trees and making up games

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