Province of Pistoia
Holiday in Tuscany villas, far from the madding crowd
Province of Pistoia
Pistoia and its surroundings have an ancient history, reaching the top of their splendour during the Middle Ages, when many noble families decided to build their villas and manor houses in the town and on the surrounding hills. In fact many villas for rent in Tuscany are located in this area. A number of these mansions, perched on the gently rolling hills, later became wine estates for the Chianti “Montalbano” production. In the last decades some of them have been renovated, so that guests can choose between many striking accommodations in the Pistoia area.Regarding the history of the town, Pistoia, was a Roman colony, used as military stronghold against the Ligurian tribes living in the nearby Apennines. During this period, Pistoia developed because of the road network built by the Romans. In fact the opening of a new stretch of Via Cassia (the consular road linking Rome with the Etruscan cities of the interior and Lunigiana) made it a junction of primary importance.
Recent archeological investigations in the area of the cathedral San Zeno have revealed the continuity of the urban strata, spanning more than twenty centuries of history.
Actually it played in the 4th and 5th centuries an important role at the time of barbarian invasions, putting up a long resistance to the advance of Longobards.
The economic success certainly stemmed from its position in the road system, but the abundant supply of water and the timber of the nearby mountains played a fundamental role in the emergence of manufacturing activities such as wool, paper, wood, still flourishing today. Nor should we forget the smelting of iron ore from Elba isle, already under way in the Etruscan period and elevated to the status of a true “industry” under the Medici.
However the precocious “industrial” vocation was not matched by an adequate political stability and the city after the 13th century golden age lost its political influence, falling under the sway of Pisa, Lucca and finally Florence in 1530.
The shared artistic heritage is quite evident in the Romanesque style of the Pisan-Luccan style of the cathedral of San Zeno, hub of the city's memories.
Travellers in the past have remarked on the quantity and quality of the sculptures and carved decorations which appear to be a distinctive trait of religious architecture in Pistoia, difficult even to hint in a such scanty amount of place.
Let us remember the cathedral portico decorated by Andrea della Robbia, the numerous lintels carved in relief by Gruamonte, the pulpits of great value by Giovanni Pisano or churches like Sant'Andrea, San Bartolomeo in Pantano, San Pier Maggiore, San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, San Paolo, San Francesco and the later basilica of the Madonna dell'Umiltà, whose powerful impact on the city's skyline is due to the imposing dome built by Vasari in the 16th century.
Last but not least the former monastery of Sant'Antonio Abate, splendidly frescoed in the 14th and 15th centuries which now houses the center named after Marino Marini, the important 20th century sculptor, born in Pistoia and much appreciated by international art collectors such as the American Peggy Guggenheim.
Le Piastre - RIF. S33
Located in a tiny, old hamlet at 800 m above sea level, and 15 km from Pistoia, these holiday apartments for rent in Tuscany are in a quiet area, far from the madding crowd, with a spectacular panoramic view. Perfect for a relaxing holiday surrounded by nature. These holiday accommodations consist of 4 independent self-catering apartments, recently restored. They can accommodate up to 12 people and a swimming pool is available to clients. Nearby one can visit medieval villages and an ancient factory, where ice was once made, called Le Piastre on the river Reno. These holiday apartments in Tuscany are in an ideal position for daily trips to the art cities of Florence, Pisa or Lucca.
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Montecatini Terme - RIF. S80
This luxury villa, among our best accommodations in Tuscany, is hidden in the lush countryside of the hills of Pistoia, near the spa town of Montecatini Terme. This elegant and cosy Tuscan villa, built in 1670, has a large kitchen with fireplace, 2 living rooms and 6 bedrooms furnished with period furniture, of which 4 have en-suite bathrooms. Two porches offer shelter and shade. Attached to the villa is a charming outbuilding providing an additional bedroom, bathroom and a living room with a single divan bed. The villa+outbuilding can comfortably accommodate up to 14 people plus other 2-3 extra beds. The price mentioned refers to both villa and annexe. For the price without the outbuilding please contact us directly. A beautiful green park at the back of the holiday home, hosting a swimming pool, provides a refreshing and relaxing stay. Also available are a barbecue and private car park.
This villa with pool in Chianti is an ideal location for visiting well known Tuscan sites such as Florence (30 km), Lucca (30km), Pisa (50km) and the seaside of Versilia (50km) permitting one day trips. The owners will be pleased to help guests organize their tour itineraries.
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Pistoia - RIF. S176
This lovely villa for rent in Italy is located just outside the medieval town of Pistoia, on a hilltop with a breathtaking view over the plain as far as Florence, where, on a clear day, one can also see the Cathedral. The holiday accommodation is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and oak woods and has recently been restored maintaining its original characteristics such as the wooden beam ceilings, the vaulted ceilings, the terracotta tile flooring and the parquet flooring. This spacious 18th century villa is on 3 floors and can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people. On the ground floor there is the entrance, a fully equipped kitchen, a study and a large dining/living room both with access to a terrace with a panoramic view, a cellar/utility room and a built-in closet. On the first floor there are 2 twin bedrooms, 1 double bedroom, 1 large bathroom fitted with shower and also a toilet. On the second floor there is a twin bedroom, 1 double bedroom and 2 bathrooms with shower. The larger bathroom and the 2 bedrooms flaunt wonderful wall paintings that simultaneously trick and delight the eye. Antique furnishings, drawings and paintings, mostly family heirlooms, are strewn around the house.
The villa is surrounded by a garden, partly shaded by laurel shrubs offering shelter from the sun, which includes a swimming pool and a barbecue. The owners, both wine and olive oil producers, live in the country house near the villa and are available for information and assista
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