This square is the artistic and historical center of Pistoia, bordered by medieval buildings that form a striking architectural framework. In summer here is performed the “Giostra dell’Orso” which evokes a modern ancient Palio race born in the first half of 1200. One of the most important Italian musical events, the Pistoia Blues, takes place here
The square is dominated by the steeple, which, in the Thirteenth century, was converted from a tower of Lombard era to which were added three floors. From atop the tower’s 67 meters and 200 steps, you can enjoy the unique panoramic view of the city.
The Basilica of San Zeno, built before the Eleventh century, was rebuilt in Romanesque-Pisan style between the Twelfth and Thirteenth centuries. On both sides of the façade are placed the two marble statues of the patron saints: St. Zeno and St. Jacopo. Two overlapping arches open up on the marble portico decorated with glazed terracotta by Andrea della Robbia from the early Sixteenth century. The interior is characterized by Renaissance and Baroque art and the contributions made in the Sixteenth and Nineteenth centuries. The cathedral also contains the monument to Cardinal Fonteguerri commissioned to Andrea del Verrocchio in 1473.
Tucked away in a corner of the square stands the Baptistery designed by Andrea Pisano and finished in the Fourteenth century, marked with bands of white and green marble. Inside it preserves a Romanesque baptismal font dating back to 1200.
Alongside the Baptistery stands the Palace of the Bishops already attested by 1091. It was the fortified residence of the Bishop of Pistoia. Then in the Twelfth century it acquired the look of a stately residence enriched with trefoils, mullioned windows and murals in the main hall. In the Eighteenth century the building was sold to private individuals by Bishop Scipione de’ Ricci, who decided to replace it with a new one. Thirty years ago ended its complex and radical renovation, thanks to which much of the original structure was recovered. Today it houses the Capitular Museum.
The Palazzo Comunale, built at the end of the Thirteenth century and today house to the civic museum, and the Praetorian Palace, with its loggia decorated with fresco and tempera and enriched by the coat of arms of podestà complete the piazza.
Reaching the Duomo Square in Pistoia:
View Pistoia Duomo Square in a larger map
More people should visit Pistoia. Not enough to make it hard for me to get a hotel, but there’s great food, a lively daily market in a medieval piazza and a castle, although it’s a bit run down.
james