Good morning from Pistoia. Today’s brief brings together seven distinct updates from the city and province, with a focus on healthcare, the local economy, mountain tourism and the programme for Wednesday, 22 July.
Pacini Hospital prepares a major service upgrade
San Marcello Pistoiese’s Pacini hospital is expected to activate a new ultrasound unit, upgraded radiology, specialist clinics, a transfusion centre and a new 118 emergency area by the end of 2026. A community health centre within the complex is also due to host four general practitioners and a paediatrician, while a new CT scanner is planned for spring 2027. Source: Report Pistoia.
New partnership aims to support Valdinievole businesses
Confcommercio Pistoia e Prato and Banca Centro have signed an agreement covering business competitiveness, digital and ecological transition, tourism promotion and neighbourhood commerce. The plan also includes an expanded Confcommercio base in Montecatini Terme, intended to strengthen services and staffing for local firms as the area develops new tourism governance. Source: Report Pistoia.
Pistoia’s mountains report a stronger summer season
Abetone and the lower mountain communities are seeing renewed demand for long summer stays as visitors seek cooler temperatures, outdoor activities and local food. Tourism operators estimate summer attendance at Abetone is around 20% higher than in 2025, with July performing strongly and August expected to be the seasonal peak. Source: La Nazione – Pistoia.
City-centre businesses and the council discuss practical improvements
Retail representatives and the municipal administration are discussing a package for central Pistoia that includes better event communication, coordinated street furniture, more greenery and a reorganisation of market stalls by product type. The council says it wants the market to remain in the historic centre whenever possible and is also considering artisan shops in Via degli Orafi and shuttle links from car parks during busy tourism periods. Source: La Nazione – Pistoia.
Giostra dell’Orso rehearsals begin tonight
Piazza del Duomo hosts the first official track rehearsals from 8:30 p.m. this evening, with Drago followed by Cervo Bianco at 10 p.m.; Leon d’Oro and Grifone rehearse on Thursday. Admission to the rehearsals is free, and tickets for the main Giostra will also be sold in the square. Rain could move the competition to the first available date, no later than 28 July. Source: Comune di Pistoia.
Open-air cinema screens Persepolis
Tonight’s Cinema Sotto le Stelle programme presents Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud’s animated film Persepolis in its original language with Italian subtitles. The screening starts at 9:30 p.m. at Villa Baldi Papini; the ticket office opens at 8:45 p.m. and admission is €3.50. Source: Comune di Pistoia.
Modena City Ramblers head to Pescia on Friday
Pescia’s summer music series continues on Friday, 24 July, with Modena City Ramblers at the former flower market. The concert is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. and forms part of a wider programme designed to establish the large covered venue as a regular home for festivals and live entertainment in Valdinievole. Source: Report Pistoia.
This original English briefing was compiled on 22 July 2026 after reviewing Report Pistoia, Il Tirreno – Pistoia, La Nazione – Pistoia/Montecatini and official Comune di Pistoia updates. Overlapping and previously covered stories were removed.