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Piazza della Sala: Pistoia's Vibrant Heart

Experience the vibrant heart of Pistoia: a historic marketplace by day, a lively social hub by night, and a culinary delight anytime.

Piazza della Sala, located in the historic center of Pistoia, is a bustling square with roots stretching back to Lombard rule. Once the city's commercial hub, it remains a vibrant marketplace by day and a lively social hub by night.

A brief summary to Piazza della Sala

  • Pistoia, Province of Pistoia, 51100, IT

Local tips

  • Visit the Piazza in the morning to experience the bustling fruit and vegetable market.
  • Enjoy an aperitivo or dinner at one of the many restaurants and bars surrounding the square.
  • Take a photo of the Pozzo del Leoncino, the well with the stone lion, a symbol of Pistoia.
  • Explore the adjacent Piazzetta dell'Ortaggio and admire the bronze sculpture 'Giro del Sole'.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Piazza della Sala is located in the heart of Pistoia's historic center and is easily accessible by foot from most central locations. From Piazza del Duomo, walk along Via Roma for approximately 5 minutes until you reach Piazza della Sala. The walk is mostly flat and offers views of the city's historic architecture.

  • Public Transport

    Pistoia's main bus station is about a 10-minute walk from Piazza della Sala. From the station, follow Via della Libertà, then turn onto Via Roma, which leads directly to the piazza. Alternatively, several local bus lines, including lines 4, 8, 25, 63, and SFS, stop near Piazza della Sala. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Pistoia. A taxi ride from the Pistoia train station to Piazza della Sala typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and the time of day. Ride-sharing services like Uber are not widely available in Pistoia.

  • Parking

    If driving, take the A11 highway to the Pistoia exit and follow signs for 'Pistoia centro'. Limited parking is available near the piazza. Consider parking at Parcheggio Pertini (Via Pacinotti), which costs €2 per day. From there, it's a 12-minute walk to Piazza della Sala. Another option is Parcheggio in superficie Misericordia (Vignaccia), which costs €1.20 for the first 30 minutes and €14 per day. This parking area is about 50 meters from Piazza della Sala.

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Discover more about Piazza della Sala

Piazza della Sala is one of the main squares in the historic center of Pistoia, carrying a rich history from the Lombard era to its present-day status as a social and economic center. The square's name derives from its role during Lombard rule when it housed the 'curtis domini regis,' the palace of the Gastaldo. Over time, Piazza della Sala transformed into the city's daily food market. Small shops lined the square and nearby streets, featuring wooden doors, stone counters, and overhanging roofs supported by wooden corbels. The Opera di San Jacopo managed the market, granting permits and overseeing merchants' activities. In 1451, the Opera prohibited open-air butchering and constructed adjacent butcher shops. The square features the Pozzo del Leoncino (Well of the Little Lion), dating back to the Middle Ages. In 1451, the well was enhanced with a white and green marble parapet and later adorned with a stone lion, symbolizing Florentine rule over Pistoia. In 1954, a concrete structure for the covered market was erected in the square, sparking controversy. This structure was removed in 1989, and the Pozzo del Leoncino was returned to its original location. Adjacent to Piazza della Sala is the Piazzetta dell'Ortaggio, which once housed Pistoia's Jewish Ghetto. Today, the piazzetta features the bronze sculpture 'Giro del Sole' by Roberto Barni. Piazza della Sala is now the heart of Pistoia's nightlife, filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs. The square hosts a daily fruit and vegetable market (except on Sundays).

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