During the holiday season, let yourself be enchanted by Pistoia and the Pistoia Mountains, perfect destinations for those who love art and culture.
The museums, with their exhibitions and collections, and the striking striped churches will guide you on an exciting journey through the history of the area, from its origins to the present.
Looking for ideas on what to do in Pistoia during the holidays? Click here for all the events.
Fondazione Marino Marini
Extraordinary reopening of some rooms at the Palazzo del Tau with the initiative Marino e Pistoia. Di nuovo insieme, an exhibition dedicated to the famous Pistoia artist.
The exhibition will be open on the weekends of December 14, 15, 21, 22, as well as January 4, 5, and Monday, January 6, from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the last entry at 5 PM.
Free entry, no reservation required.
Musei Civici di Pistoia – Civic Museums of Pistoia
The Civic Museums of Pistoia (Museum of Ancient Art, Museum of the Spedale del Ceppo, and Museum of the 20th and Contemporary Art at Palazzo Fabroni) will be open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 AM to 2 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays. They will be open on Thursday, December 26, Friday, December 27, and Monday, January 6, from 10 AM to 6 PM. On Christmas and New Year’s Day, the museums will be open from 4 PM to 7 PM.
From November 23 to January 6, admission is free on weekends and holidays.
Guided tour of the Casa Studio Fernando Melani on Friday, December 20, at 11 AM. Free admission and tour with mandatory reservation by 1 PM on Thursday, December 19. Click here to learn more
Pistoia Musei
During the Christmas holidays, Pistoia Museums welcomes you with a special opening schedule from 10 AM to 6 PM. In addition to the usual visiting days, the Museum of the Ancient Bishop’s Palace will be open on Monday, December 30th, Tuesday, December 31st, and Monday, January 6th.
The 20th Century Collections at Palazzo de’ Rossi will be open every day from Monday to Sunday, and the Museum of San Salvatore will remain open not only on the weekend but also on Thursday, December 26th, Friday, December 27th, Monday, December 30th, Tuesday, December 31st, Wednesday, January 1st, and Monday, January 6th.
All locations will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th.
Even during the holidays, you can purchase the Museum Pass at the physical ticket offices and online, granting access to all locations at the special price of €10 (reduced €7). Passes purchased during the Christmas period will be valid for 60 days instead of 30, starting from the date of purchase.
Click here for more information on visiting.
Pistoia Sotterranea
Pistoia Sotterranea will remain open as usual during the Christmas holidays with guided tours at 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 4:30 PM. Reservations are recommended. On Wednesday, January 1st, there will be afternoon openings with tours at 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
This is a unique opportunity to discover the longest underground path in Tuscany, the history of the ancient Hospital of Ceppo, and the events that led to the burial of the Brana River.
Fondazione Jorio Vivarelli
The Jorio Vivarelli Foundation, with its collection dedicated to the renowned Pistoia artist, will follow its regular visiting hours throughout the Christmas holidays. It will, however, be closed on Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, and New Year’s Day.
Ecomuseum of the Pistoia Mountains
During the Christmas holidays, discover the historic Palazzo Achilli in Gavinana (PT), the center of the Ecomuseum of the Pistoia Mountains, featuring the exhibition Strade Ferrate: From the Steam Train to the Whistle of the F.A.P.
The exhibition will be regularly open from Thursday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Entry is by voluntary donation. It will be closed on Thursday, December 26.
On Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 PM, there will be a meeting titled La Porrettana in Italian History: 160th Anniversary of the Porrettana, hosted by Professor Stefano Maggi.
Church openings
Church of San Jacopo in Castellare
The Church of San Jacopo in Castellare, in addition to its regular openings on the weekend, will also be open on Thursday, December 26, Friday, December 27, and Monday, January 6, from 10 AM to 6 PM. On Christmas and New Year’s Day, it will be open from 4 PM to 7 PM. Entrance is free.
The church is one of the oldest in Pistoia. Inside, you can admire wall works dating from the mid-13th century to the second half of the 14th century. Click here to learn more.
Chiesa di San Giovanni Fuorcivitas
The Church of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas will be open for visits throughout the month of December from Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. It will be open on St. Stephen’s Day from 10 AM to 1 PM. Closed on Christmas Day.
€4 full price, €3 reduced.
Church of Sant’Andrea
In addition to the regular hours, the Church of Sant’Andrea will follow the following schedule during the holidays: Tuesday, 24th, from 10 AM to 4 PM; Wednesday, 25th, and Sunday, 29th, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM; Tuesday, 31st, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM; Wednesday, 1st, Sunday, 5th, and Monday, 6th, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.
To stay updated on the opening hours, visit the dedicated sections: Museum Hours and Monument Hours.”
