Pistoia is one of Tuscany\u2019s hidden gems. The city of Pistoia is a stone\u2019s throw from both Florence and Lucca, and yet visited by far fewer tourists. It is situated in the province of Pistoia which has a rather varied landscape that alternates between flat valleys, rolling hills and much more mountainous areas. It is even possible to go skiing in the Winter months here, at resorts such as Abetone, Doganaccia and Val di Luce, whilst in the Summer the mountain peaks of Monte Gomito and Monte Cimone are perfect for hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wider area is famous for its plant cultivation and also for its chocolate production. Plants and flowers grown here are exported all over the world. And it\u2019s also home to a number of spa towns such as Montecatini Terme<\/a> and Monsummano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with most of Tuscany\u2019s towns and cities, the city of Pistoia has had a long and rich history. Occupied in Roman times, it was close to the battle in which Cicero\u2019s enemy, Catiline, died. It prospered in Medieval times when it was a popular pilgrimage site amongst pilgrims who came to pay their respects to Saint James. Sadly, the city declined somewhat in the 19th<\/sup> century. But more recently, in 2017, the city was proclaimed European City of Culture, a title which it thoroughly deserved.<\/p>\n\n\n