Join me for a short 40 minute train ride from Florence and lets discover and learn about another of the lesser known but very worthwhile towns to visit in Italy – Pistoia!
And if you don’t know about Pistoia, it means you don’t know my lovely friend, Michela (“Miky”) Riccarelli! Miky is a proud native of Pistoia and she is ready to share all about its quite distinguished history and culture as well as introduce you to other friendly locals!
I’ve actually known Miky for years and first visited Pistoia with her quite a few years ago (I’ve lost count)! We have stayed in touch and, finally, a few months ago we were able to squeeze in time for a coffee together in Florence.
Miky is a tireless bundle of enthusiastic energy! Not only will she guide you through her beloved Pistoia but she is as knowledgeable and passionate about Florence, Siena, Lucca, Chianti…well, all of Tuscany! Fueled by her love for her city, her region, her country, she will cheerfully accommodate and customize your tour to focus on whatever interests you the most (e.g., history, art, food, fashion., etc.).
♥ At Last, A Day in Pistoia with Miky!
When we were able to coordinate a day together in Pistoia, I was thrilled! She is VERY busy giving tours right now – but despite the crowds, heat and the challenges, Miky is always smiling!
Arriving from Florence, we met at the Pistoia train station and immediately headed for her favorite bar, Grand Café Le Damier.
We chatted and then fueled up, we were our way pausing occasionally to look at some of the bargains available at their Wednesday market – which is fantastic!! (Pistoia has an enormous market every Wednesday and Friday – one of the reasons she encouraged me to come on one of those two days and I have to say there was a LOT of temptation!)
♥ Cathedrals, Miracles, Popes & More!
Pistoia is unmistakably medieval and pleasantly compact. The historical center, an attractive mix of historical sites and (lots of) charming shops, is easily explored!
My visit will include several cathedrals and basilicas, all with absolutely marvelous frescoes, sculptures, artwork, and stories of miracles, visions, sacrifice…
Our first stop is the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Umiltà (Our Lady of Humility) where the first stone was laid in 1495…
There is a service so we are quiet but, as is my custom, I do light a candle…
Pistoia can also boast of a large collection of della Robbias. Andrea della Robbia invented a very special glazing/firing technique that remained a closely held family secret for generations.
Exquisite and distinctive della Robbia’s
Their ceramic sculptures are extraordinary and happen to be very special to me…
♥ Saintly Pistoia!
Before entering the portico of the Cattedrale di San Zeno, looking up is a truly splendid terracotta Madonna and Child by Andrea della Robbia.
It’s also of special interest to know that as you enter and pass through the portal and under the red curtains, your sins are absolved! Why? Read on…
San Jacopo (aka San Iacobeo) is the patron saint of Pistoia. Pistoia celebrated the holy year in 2021 that falls upon the Feast of San Jacopo, July 25th, but because of COVID visitors were not able to visit so they asked and Pope Francesco gave permission to postpone the holy year until the year 2022.
Inside, the Chapel of Judgement holds the majestic silver altar of Saint James with his relics, “…a bone fragment of the apostle James the Great, venerated at Santiago de Compostela in Spain”, which was brought to Pistoia in 1145.
This has linked Pistoia to cult of St. James and a few years ago the city of Pistoia created an easy new path called Cammino di San Jacopo whose route is from Florence to Livorno.
♥ And there’s more…so much more!
I am partial to the court of Pistoia which, since 1367 has hosted Procura della Republic di Pistoia, and to its richly frescoed interior, family crests, and more della Robbias. For me, these walls hold the legacy from centuries of justice that has been served here.
The Baptistery, San Giovanni in Corte Baptistery, also known as the Baptistery of San Giovanni di Rotondo, is impressive…
Pistoia’s Rospigliosi family tree proudly includes a Pope and today we can visit his family’s Church of the Pope Clemente IX.
In the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo, the old organ is dated 1664 and there’s an exquisite altar by Bernini.
On the way to our last stop (a sweet one!), we stop to admire the Ospedale del Ceppo, the former hospital, that also features a spectacular series of “tondos” (rounds) by another della Robbia, Giovanni.
The frieze above the rounds is by Santi Buglioni (who tried to duplicate the technique).
♥ Pistoia isn’t just about the past!
♥ Tasty Pistoia!
I love learning about local specialties and thoroughly enjoyed my visits with Tommaso (Radici Italiane) and Giorgia Corsini (Confetteria Bruno Corsini)!
♥ Radici Italiane with Tommaso
Tommaso Pasquinelli is the proud proprietor of Radici Italiane, (which translates into “Italian Roots”), a boutique of “typical” specialties from every region in Italy. I use the word “typical” but his selections have been chosen not only because they are typical of the region but also because they represent the best of the region.
He and his wife, Denise, spent two years traveling and researching (and tasting, of course!) throughout Italy. Pasta, olive oil, wine, marmalades, grains, honey, biscotti, dolce are among the delicacies you can choose from. The focus is also on sustainability and supporting artigianale/local producers.
Tommaso is more than obliging and can create a custom gift box beautifully packaged, and shipped anywhere!
⇒ Visit Radici Italiane!
♥ Confetteria Bruno Corsini with Giorgia Corsini
When most of us hear the word “confetti” we think of little bits of paper used to celebrate special events but, in fact, confetti is a very unique candy. And here in Pistoia, it has been made a tradition made by Confetteria Bruno Corsini since 1918!
Tradition and dedication to excellence at Confetteria Bruno Corsini – making sweets the old fashioned way!
I love visiting artisanal shops and Corsini is definitely a sweet one to see! Only in Genoa at a traditional chocolate shop have I seen all of the original machines and utensils that are still being used to make their perfect confections!
The traditional confetti are basically sugar and water and they make what most of us are familiar with , the confetti with almonds. But, the real surprises are those in the candy jars – in tempting flavors such as limoncello, coffee, pistachio and rum! When you pop one in your mouth, wow! Are they delizioso?! A delectable burst of flavor – yum!
They have also created their own unique version of panforte with a chocolate base – ohmy!! Giorgia, Bruno’s granddaughter, will gladly scoop a sample out for you and who can resist? Which to try?? Which to take home? Ah, decisions, decisions!
⇒ Visit Confetteria Bruno Corsini
It’s been a wonderful day and all because I spent it with Miky! Sure, I could’ve visited on my own but I would have missed so much! And, of course, I have more reasons to return!
I am so very pleased and proud to include Michela in my preferred local guides/experts, “Friends of Victoria”!
⇒You can connect with Michela:
Email: mikyriccia@gmail.com
Website(s):
www.passion4tuscany.com
www.passion4food4fashionwordpress.com
Facebook: Michela Ricciarelli
Instagram: Michela Ricciarelli passion4food4fashion and TastePistoia
Is it YOUR turn to explore and immerse in Tuscany? Another region of Italy? Is 2023 going to (finally) be THE year! Then there’s no better time than now to start putting that dream into action!
Along with my amazing local destination experts/professionals, we are here for YOU!
4 thoughts on “I ♥LOVE ♥Learning with Locals in Pistoia: Discovering a Hidden Gem with Michela!”
Miky is great fun. She introduced me to her Pistoia and it has become one of my favourite places to visit.
She is absolutely wonderful! I agree that her love of Pistoia is contagious and obviously we are both grateful to know her and now be fans of Pistoia,too!
Victoria
Having never quite made it to Pistoia…thank you for the visit! Great post!
Phyllis…
Maybe now you can add it to your “list”? I know that you and Joe are (avid!) Roma fans but there is much to enjoy in these “lesser known” cities!
Hopefully 2023 will be your year to return!?
Victoria
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