Markets of Pistoia
With a recent visit from friends this last weekend who are big antique fans, they suggested a trip to the nearby town of Pistoia. Although I’ve passed it many times on the train, I was always under the impression there wasn’t much to see there. How wrong I was!
Although not as visited as other towns in Tuscany, mostly due to the industrial environs, Pistoia presents a well-preserved and charming medieval city inside the old walls. This charming town was filled with people for market day, and street after street was filled with folding booths and vans with all types of goodies to buy. Although not a food market, you can find something for everyone. The market is located on Via Cigliegiale, every Wednesday and Saturday. Even if you aren’t into shopping, the city offers a fantastic Bell Tower in the Piazza Duomo, the Ospedale del Ceppo and the octagonal baptistery. While friends searched for their antiques (sadly the antique market was the following weekend) I wandered around, ducking into the glorious court house, enjoyed a glass of wine and enjoyed my people watching for the day. Roghly 38 minutes from Florence, if you are market fans, this is a great day trip out of the city!