Discover Santomato: Gardens, History and Environmental Art

Santomato, a district of Pistoia, combines Tuscan history with garden art, environmental art and regional cuisine. The Fattoria di Celle is particularly significant: the historic monumental villa dating from the 15th century houses the private Gori Collection of environmental art. At the same time, the park, gardens and tastings offer various ways to explore the area at your own pace.

Fattoria di Celle: Villa, Gardens and Regional Products

Several facets of the Tuscan cultural landscape come together at the Fattoria di Celle. The estate includes a historic garden with a flower garden and orchard, as well as a 25-hectare park dating from the 19th century. The park extends to the foothills of the hill behind it, giving the estate a distinctly landscaped character. Those who want to experience not only individual buildings but also designed natural surroundings during their trip will find a special focus here.

The Fattoria di Celle offers visits that include tastings of its products. These include the olive oil and wine produced there. Since 2019, the entire production has been undergoing the final transition to organic farming. This means that a visit can be combined with the Fattoria's regional products in addition to the experience of art and gardens. When planning your trip, this combination may be of interest if you do not want to experience culture and cuisine as separate activities.

Environmental Art on a Walk Through the Park

The Gori Collection comprises 80 works of environmental art. They can be experienced on a walk through the villa's park and its large English landscape garden. The art is not separate from its surroundings; instead, you encounter it in the context of the park and its designed outdoor spaces. Allow enough time for this focus if you prefer discovering art in a landscaped setting rather than exclusively indoors.

The Fattoria di Celle can therefore bring together different interests during a single trip: historic architecture, gardens, contemporary environmental art, as well as olive oil and wine from its own production. You can make art the central theme of your stay or shape your visit more around the combination of park, villa and tasting. Both perspectives remain closely connected with Santomato's distinctive features.

The Ecclesiastical History of S. Tommaso and SS. Annunziata

The area's ecclesiastical history also dates back a long way. The S. Tommaso monastery is documented in Santomato in September 1146. The year 1794 is also important for the development of the local parish: at that time, the parish seat and title were transferred from the small S. Maria church to the larger S. Tommaso monastery church.

Another historical reference leads to the end of the 17th century. At that time, the church was listed in the diocesan register of parishes as SS. Nunziata alla Bure, also known as Chiesina. In a decree dated 21 November 1680, Bishop Gherardi ordered that a priest should reside permanently at the SS. Annunziata alla Chiesina Oratory, which depended on S. Quirico, to provide pastoral care. These names and dates give Santomato a multifaceted historical context that extends beyond the Fattoria di Celle.

Choose Your Accommodation Based on Your Interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Santomato, you can base your choice on the type of trip you want. The environmental art of the Gori Collection can be the main focus, complemented by a walk through the English landscape garden. You can also emphasize the culinary aspect with a tasting of olive oil and wine. Those primarily interested in history can also explore the historical traditions associated with S. Tommaso and SS. Annunziata.

For further orientation, you can also explore Piteccio, Cireglio, Pontelungo, Piastre, Bottegone, Arcigliano, Sammommè and Sarripoli.

For the broader travel overview: Pistoia.