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Cattedrale di San Zeno: Pistoia's Romanesque Masterpiece

Explore Pistoia Cathedral, a Romanesque architectural gem with a rich history and stunning silver altar in the heart of Tuscany.

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The Cattedrale di San Zeno, or Pistoia Cathedral, is the principal religious building of Pistoia, showcasing stunning Romanesque architecture in the heart of the city. Dedicated to Saint Zeno of Verona, it features a notable silver altar and a rich history dating back to the early Middle Ages.

A brief summary to Cattedrale di San Zeno

  • Monday 8:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-11 am
  • Sunday 8:30 am-11 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the cathedral's serene atmosphere.
  • Don't miss the Silver Altar of San Jacopo, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic goldsmithing.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on the season and religious events.
  • Combine your visit with a climb up the nearby Campanile for panoramic views of Pistoia.
  • Look for the 'Rosa dei Venti' (Compass Rose) outside the cathedral, symbolizing Pistoia's link to Santiago de Compostela.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pistoia train station, walk north along Piazza Dante Alighieri, then turn left onto Via XX Settembre. Continue straight, crossing the Ombrone Pistoiese river. Follow Via Roma to Piazza del Duomo; the Cattedrale di San Zeno will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Pistoia train station, several bus lines connect to Piazza San Francesco, a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. Bus lines 4 and 8 will take you from outside Pistoia Train Station to Piazza Garibaldi. From there, it is a short walk to the Cattedrale di San Zeno. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    From Pistoia train station, taxis are readily available outside the main entrance. A taxi ride to Piazza del Duomo typically takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €5 and €10. Always confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Cattedrale di San Zeno

The Cattedrale di San Zeno, dominating Pistoia's Piazza del Duomo, is a powerful symbol of the city's history and religious devotion. Originally dedicated to Saint Martin, the cathedral's dedication changed to Saint Zeno during the Lombard domination. The cathedral's history stretches back to the early Middle Ages, with the first documented evidence appearing in 923 AD. The cathedral's architecture is primarily Romanesque, reflecting the style of other Pistoian churches like San Bartolomeo and Sant'Andrea. The façade features striking marble statues of the patron saints, San Zeno and San Jacopo. Inside, the cathedral has a traditional three-nave layout, a raised presbytery, and an underground crypt. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous modifications, with significant restorations between 1952 and 1999 that carefully restored its original architectural lines. Key features inside include the baptismal font by Andrea Ferrucci da Fiesole and Jacopo del Mazza. The Chapel of the Crucifix houses the famous Silver Altar of San Jacopo, a masterpiece of medieval Italian goldsmithing crafted between 1287 and 1450. The cathedral also holds a relic of Saint James, which arrived from Santiago de Compostela in 1145, making Pistoia a pilgrimage site. The 'Rosa dei Venti' (Compass Rose) outside the cathedral symbolizes this link to Santiago de Compostela.

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