Pistoia is a beautiful, sophisticated, modern city in an ancient setting. There are wonderful old buildings…as you would expect.
My past visits to Pistoia have been day trips, but this time I stayed overnight. The city comes alive as the sun goes down. People are out walking, shopping and the restaurants begin to fill. The atmosphere is fun and vibrant.
Pistoians have an excellent selection of stylish shops. More investigation is needed.
The food markets are full of delicious things.
I was most fortunate to have the charming, beautiful and stylish Michela Ricciarella to show me her favourite things. She is a tour leader and has to be Pistoia’s best ambassador. She loves the city and knows it like the back of her hand.
Michele invited me to the family restaurant, Pollo d’Oro, Golden Chicken. The restaurant was begun by her husband, Stefano Parenti’s father, who famously brought the first rotisserie to Pistoia, hence the golden chickens.
The ground floor of the restaurant is modern and spacious. The cellar is more traditional and cosy.
We had a delicious pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and nduja, a spicy Sicilian salami on a great base. It is easy to see why the restaurant has been popular since its inception in 1962.
Thank you Michela for a wonderful time in Pistoia. I like that the city is not overrun with tourists. I saw just one group while I was there. The atmosphere is lively and fun and there is much to see and do…I could happily move in.
I can’t leave Pistoia without a visit to Cafe le Damier in Via della Madonna. They do the best pastries and coffee.
Look for Michela’s blog…http://passion4food4fashion.com She writes with love for her home town and her enthusiasm is infectious.
I stayed at a gorgeous B&B recommended by Michela. It is very close to the centre of town and is elegant and charming. Locanda San Marco…Via Porta San Marco, 28…http://locandasanmarco.com
Pistoia has been on our list to visit during our stays in Lucca and this post just sealed the deal. It was also just named on Lonely Planet’s ‘best places to travel in 2017’ and has been chosen the Italian culture capital for 2017. Pistoia 2017 here we come-and not a moment too soon! Thanks Debra, as always, terrific photography!
By: Laura on October 22, 2016
at 6:47 pm
Michela is excited about next year. I am planning several visits. Take a look at her blog. If you need a guide, she is the best.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 22, 2016
at 7:16 pm
Grazie Debra I checked out Michela’s blog and she writes also on Sardinia so since we are heading there checking for tips.
By: Roslyn MacAllan (@roztaste) on October 22, 2016
at 6:55 pm
Michela has a house in Sardinia and they go every summer.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 22, 2016
at 7:17 pm
I will be doing more posts on Pistoia, including the stunning churches.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 22, 2016
at 7:18 pm
Looks a great place!
By: Sue on October 22, 2016
at 8:00 pm
It is wonderful.i will be returning to Pistoia.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2016
at 4:21 am
Sounds wonderful. As we are here at this time I think we shall do a day trip to Pistoia this week. Hopefully it’s easy to access by car.
By: vicogirl on October 22, 2016
at 8:17 pm
It is. Take the Autostrada towards Florence and look for the Pistoia exit. I parked at the Petrini car park near the station. €2 per day.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2016
at 4:20 am
Always lovely to see a place with a local….they know all the highlights to show you and of course the best eateries. Looking forward to seeing some more posts of Pistoia.
By: Kerry & Jim on October 22, 2016
at 10:47 pm
There will be more!
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2016
at 4:21 am
On my list for next time – Deb
By: Liz Litzow on October 23, 2016
at 12:07 am
I am sure you will love it.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2016
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It is a beautiful city, full of character.
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 23, 2016
at 6:03 am
I really like Pistoia, I plan to visit often.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 26, 2016
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You can bet your bottom dollar (or euro) that I’ll be visiting Pistoia again next year.
By: Yvonne on October 23, 2016
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It has been named city of art for next year, there will be lots on.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 26, 2016
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Reblogged this on passion4food4fashion.
By: mikyriccia on October 23, 2016
at 9:13 pm
Research is indeed called for – you are a dedicated sleuth!
By: Jan on October 24, 2016
at 12:06 am
I do find the afternoon closing a bit of a pest. It really chops into shopping time.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 26, 2016
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And of course it’s home to the first rate Pistoia Blues Festival each year with top-line international artists,
Sauro
By: Sauro ASntonelli on October 24, 2016
at 5:58 am
Pistoia has lots of great things to do.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 26, 2016
at 5:59 am
Pistoia was on my list this summer and I never made it 🙁 After reading this, I especially regret missing it! Hope to get there some day. Enjoyed your post on Studentessa Matta this week too, and left you a comment there. 🙂
By: Stacy di Anna Pollard on October 25, 2016
at 6:47 pm
I hope you visit Pistoia on your next trip, it is excellent. Thanks for commenting on the other blog. I have along history with Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 26, 2016
at 6:00 am
We are booked to stay 3 nights in November at the hotel. Looking forward to seeing Michela again. She is SO charming, it is scary! LOL! She also referred us to this hotel for our visit – we booked the last room available for the time we needed. Whew! Lucky!
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at 9:48 pm
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By: GOOD LUCK on February 5, 2017
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We loved Pistoia too and next time plan an overnighter –
By: Elizabeth Litzow on June 6, 2018
at 5:53 am
Yes, it is lovely at night. You get to see a different side of the city and there are lots of wonderful restaurants to try…maybe a couple of nights
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at 5:04 pm
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