Pistoia - Surroundings

Castagono is an ancient village in the valley of the Ombrone. It is known for its narrow lanes which lead to the Oratory of St. Francis. In 1975, an open air museum was created with over 60 pieces of art. There is an annual national prize for painting and poetry in Castagno.

The Fortress of Santa Barbara was built by Nanni Unghero by order of Cosimo I of the Medici, who wanted to put an end to the constant warship of the Pistoians, as well as to confront possible enemies.

Val di Brana is a small village set on a hill. It is known for the revered Mary's sanctuary. An image of the Virgin thought to be miraculous, was enlarged firstly in 1650 then later modified to its present state of neoclassic taste.

The Villa and Park Puccini was originally built by Tommaso doctor at the court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany and later rebuilt at the end of 1700 by Guiseppe Puccini. Today, only a fraction of the great garden remains while the villa has become a home for the elderly.

The Zoological Gardens are situated in a country setting with a collection of approximately 600 animals.