Pistoia Cathedral
Cattedrale di San Zeno
A Romanesque cathedral on the cathedral square of Pistoia's old town, home to a silver altar that weighs nearly a ton.
The Cathedral of San Zeno is the heart of Pistoia's old town. Its Tuscan Romanesque arcaded façade has an enameled terracotta relief by Andrea della Robbia above the doorway. The most precious treasure inside is the silver altar in the Chapel of St James, created over nearly two centuries from 1287 by several goldsmiths, with a young Brunelleschi among those who took part. Beside the cathedral is the bell tower, which can be climbed by reservation, and opposite it stands the octagonal green-and-white striped Baptistery, together forming a compact, complete medieval square. Entry to the cathedral is free, but the silver altar area requires a separate ticket. From Florence's Santa Maria Novella station, the train takes about 35–50 minutes, and it is a 10-minute walk to the square. It suits a half-day trip.
Opening hours
About 08:30–12:30 and 15:30–19:00 (Silver Altar visiting hours set separately)
Nearby sights
- Vinci
- Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano
- Prato Cathedral
- Barberino Designer Outlet
- Villa La Petraia
- Santa Maria del Carmine (Brancacci Chapel)
- Santa Maria Novella
- Oltrarno & Basilica of Santo Spirito