|
|
 |
| |
|
Home > Travel Italy > Italy Destinations > Pistoia
Pistoia
Italy, officially the Italian Republic or Repubblica Italiana, is a Southern European country comprising of the Po River valley, the Italian Peninsula and the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. It is shaped like a boot and for this reason Italians commonly call it lo Stivale, the boot or, due to its prevalent peninsular geographical nature, la Penisola, the Peninsula.
Pistoia is a city in the Tuscany region of Italy, the capital of a province located about 18 miles west and north of Florence. It was the centre of Gallic, Ligurian and Etruscan settlements prior to becoming a Roman colony in the 6th century with the chief road, Via Cassia. In the year 62 Before Christ, the demagogue Catiline and his fellow conspirators were slain nearby. Pistoia's best time began in 1177, when it declared itself as a free commune. In the next few years, it became a key political centre, erecting walls and many public and religious buildings. The total population of Pistoia as of September 31, 2006 was recorded at 92,267 inhabitants with a density of 391 people squared kilometers.
Although Pistoia is not as visited as other towns in Tuscany and industrial environs, it presents a charming medieval city inside the old walls. The large Piazza del Duomo is lined with beautiful buildings as the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo del Podesta. It is the setting in July of the Giostra dell'Orso, when the best horsemen of the districts of the town tilt with lances at a target held by a dummy shaped like a bear.
Its outstanding feature is the Altar of St James, an exemplar of the silversmith's craft begun in 1287 but not finished till the 15th century. As it is often regarded as the most beautiful parts of Italy, it is one of the most prominent places amongst the most die-hard travelers the world over.
Back to Italy Destinations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|