Pistoia, the Town of Pastries and Pistols

Pistoia is one of my favorite small cities—its peacefulness, loveliness, and charm just can’t be resisted. But did you know that in the medieval era, it was one of Italy’s most violent and bloody sights? In fact, even the great artist Michelangelo once said that Pistoia was home to the “enemies of heaven”! Learn about the crazy family infighting that lent truth to Michelangelo’s statement, and see how it even spread to Florence. There, it fanned the flames of major conflict and also inspired famous writers like Dante and Niccolò Machiavelli. But fear not, for Pistoia today is so different that even elves live in its countryside!