Province of Pistoia

History

The region had Gallic, Ligurian and Etruscan settlements before being captured by the Roman empire in the sixth century BCE. The region was referred to as Pistorium in the Roman Empire, which was followed by bishopric reign in the fifth century CE. It later rose to prominence in the Middle Ages under the Lombards and Holy Roman influence. It became a free city in 1177 CE and became part of Florence in the 16th century CE. The province was formed in 1927.

Geography

Pistoia is a landlocked province located in northeastern Tuscany, stretching from the Apennine ridges in the north to the Arno river and Ombrone plains in the south. It borders the provinces of Florence, Prato, Lucca, Modena, and Bologna. Spread over an area of 964.12 km2, it encompasses 22 comuni, including the provincial capital, Pistoia. The terrain ranges from valley plains to mountain peaks reaching 1600 m in the Apennines. The region includes various protected areas such Abetone and Val di Luce, and other mountain reserves. The city of Pistoia is roughly 40 km away from both Lucca and Florence.

Demographics

The province had a population of 291,788 inhabitants as of 2015. The population of the province increased from 268,437 in 2011. The city of Pistoia hosted approximately 90,908 residents.

Economy

After the World War II, the mainly agricultural province underwent industrial development. However, the province was amongst the ones with the lowest income per capita in Tuscany due to high poverty levels in the 1960s.

Pistoia is globally renowned for floriculture and nursery production, with nearly 2,000 plant nurseries producing 25% of Italy’s ornamental plants. Manufacturing includes engineering goods, textiles, furniture, and ceramics. Heritage sites, spa resorts, and skiing sites attract tourists. The land around the cities of Pistoia and Pescia are popular locations for flower and plant cultivation for global exports, and town and commune Quarrata is known for its wood furniture. The province hosted the renowned Giostra dell’Orso, a medieval jousting festival revived post‑1947 on July 25, honoring St Jacopo with historic pageantry in Pistoia.

References

References

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