Pistoia’s resume is getting longer: the Capital of Italian Culture for 2017 was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2017, the only Italian destination in the Top Ten Cities list. From November 25 to 27, curious out-of-towners will have a chance to explore this emerging travel mecca when annual marketplace Arts & Crafts returns to the city.
Offering free admission, and timed for holiday shopping, the festival is a self-proclaimed “Art and Lifestyle Salon” taking place in two of Pistoia’s historic industrial venues—the Cattedrale (via Sandro Pertini) and, new for this year, the former Pistoia Fiere pavilion (piazza Area ex Breda). Exhibitor booths and events are divided into two main categories: Arts & Crafts, highlighting Tuscan craftsmanship, from furniture and fashion accessories to household objects and linens; and Food & Design, which will feature Tuscan and Pistoiese food products as well as cutlery, kitchen tools and ideas for decorative table settings.
Given Pistoia’s status as Capital of Italian Culture for 2017, several pilot itineraries and special tours will be offered this year outside the main buildings, putting participants in close contact with local and regional artisans and educating them about their traditional methods of working.
Opening hours are from 10am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10am to 9pm on Sunday. For the full program, see the website.
