Pistoia Sotterranea (aka Pistoia Underground) is a fascinating journey beneath the streets of the old city. It's like stepping into a hidden world! 

You'll explore ancient walkways, once part of defensive moats and river channels, which later supported hospitals, convents, and even secret laundries. It's history… but with tunnels!

Oh, so much cool stuff! You’ll walk under the old city and see:

• Ancient Roman walls and road traces
• The mysterious Gora di Scornio, an artificial canal
• Old water mills and olive presses
• Artifacts from the old Ceppo Hospital
• Ferns that moved in after the restoration!
•  And did I mention a “bisturi” (scalpel) named after Pistoia? True story!

The tour lasts about 60 minutes and includes a guided walk through the main underground route.

All tours are guided by an expert who will bring the underground stories to life in your preferred language.

We offer tours in Italian and English, and sometimes in French and German. Just let us know your preference when booking!

Absolutely! Kids usually love the underground adventure—it feels like a real-life treasure hunt! There’s no scary stuff, just lots of cool stories, ancient bricks, and even secret water channels. 

That said, we recommend the tour for children aged 5 and up, since there are some steps, dim lighting, and uneven ground. So bring comfy shoes, curiosity, and a sense of adventure!

Currently, the wheelchair entrance is temporarily closed due to ongoing city works. We truly hope the construction wraps up soon so we can welcome all visitors, including those using wheelchairs, back into the tunnels.

There’s no strict age limit, but because the tour involves walking through underground tunnels with stairs and uneven paths, we recommend it for visitors aged 5 and above. Babies in carriers are okay, but strollers are not practical underground. As long as you're steady on your feet and curious about history—you’re welcome!

The tour includes about 45 minutes of walking, covering a distance of approximately 1 km (around 3,280 feet), mostly underground. The pace is relaxed, but be prepared for some stairs, low ceilings, and uneven stone paths (history is never completely flat!). Comfortable shoes are a must—and if you’re feeling like an explorer... an amazing experience awaits you!

Yes, the underground route includes several sets of stairs and uneven stone surfaces—some parts are original medieval floors!  It adds to the charm, but it’s definitely not a smooth ride. If you’re steady on your feet and wear comfy shoes, you’ll do just fine. (High heels? Big nope.)

Pistoia Sotterranea is open every day except Tuesday, typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last tour usually starts around 4:30 PM, so make sure you don’t show up too late! Opening times can vary with the seasons or for special events, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

Currently, there are several tours per day, usually scheduled at set times. The exact number of tours depends on the number of visitors. During weekends and holidays, they might be more frequent. Just check the schedule when you arrive or take a peek online before you come—Pistoia’s tunnels like to keep things a little mysterious! 🙃

Yes, we recommend arriving at least 10–15 minutes early to check in, use the restroom, and get ready for your adventure underground. Nobody likes missing the start of a good story!

You can try walking in, especially on weekdays—but to be safe, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, or if you’re with a group. Better to be sure than sorry!

Online Ticket Processing

Tickets can be purchased securely online using a credit card.  Just click the “Book Tickets” button on our website. 

As soon as your booking is complete, you’ll receive your tickets by email - along with a handy link to reschedule your tour date or time if needed. If the email doesn’t appear within a few minutes, be sure to check your SPAM or Junk folder.

You’re welcome to print your tickets and bring them with you, but to help us reduce paper waste, we encourage you to simply show the QR code on your mobile device - we can scan it directly.

A reminder email will also be sent to you automatically the day before your scheduled tour.

Offline Purchase of Tickets

It's possible to purchase tickets at the Ticketing Office/Meetng point, but the full price applies for adult tickets, and there may not be a place available. We highly recommend booking online to save time, money, lining up, and potential dissapointent if the tour is sold out.

Yes, you can usually buy tickets on the same day, directly at the museum entrance. But since tours can fill up—especially on weekends and holidays—we strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Better safe than sorry (and stuck above ground)!

Ticket prices vary depending on age and group size. You can see full pricing details on Tickets & Prices.

We offer discounts for children, families, seniors aged 65 and over, visitors with disabilities, groups, and also for pilgrims holding the official Credenziale del pellegrino (related to the Cammino di San Jacopo pilgrimage route).

 Whether you're a solo explorer or bringing the whole crew, there’s a ticket that fits you!

Yes! We offer discounts for seniors aged 65 and over and groups of more than 15 people. Planning a visit with a big crew or the wise elders of your family? You’re in for a deal!

 (Please note: Student discounts are not currently available.)

Yes — families (2 adults + 2 children) and groups of over 15 people can enjoy discounted prices. If you're organizing a school trip or a private group tour, let us know—we’ll be happy to create a custom offer just for you. History is even better when shared!

YES !  You can change the time and date of your booking without penalty, up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour time. 

Use the unique MANAGE BOOKING link in your email booking confirmation to reschedule your tour time. It's simple and convenient.

First, check your spam or promotions folder. If it’s still missing, contact us right away and we’ll resend it.

Book with Confidence – Flexible Refund Policy

We want you to feel completely confident when booking with us. That’s why we offer a 100% refund on all online pre-paid tour tickets when you submit your cancellation request through our online form at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour.

For group bookings that required special arrangements (such as private guides or custom setups), we’ll still refund 100% of your ticket cost, but any external costs we’ve already incurred on your behalf will remain your responsibility.

We’re committed to being fair and transparent, so you can plan your visit with peace of mind.

To request your refund please use this Refund Request Form.

Please meet at the ticket office located at Ripa della Comunità, 18, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy. This is where the tour starts and ends.

From the ticket office, your guide will accompany you to the entrance of the underground museum, which is located in Piazza San Lorenzo. It’s just a short walk—and the adventure begins!

Things you need to understand about parking.

ZTL stands for Zona a Traffico Limitato (Limited Traffic Zone), and it’s very important to understand when parking or driving in Pistoia — or any Italian city center.

🚫 What is a ZTL?

A ZTL is a restricted area—usually in the historic city center—where vehicle access is limited to residents, authorized vehicles, or certain times of day. Unauthorized entry can result in a hefty fine, and cameras are typically used to automatically detect license plates.

ZTL in Pistoia – What You Need to Know:

The ZTL in Pistoia includes much of the old town and historic center, including Piazza del Duomo, near Pistoia Sotterranea.

Non-resident vehicles are generally not allowed to drive or park inside the ZTL during most hours.

Tourists should avoid entering unless:

• They're staying at a hotel that has pre-authorized their vehicle.
• They’ve received prior permission.

ZTL hours and zones are posted on signs at access points, but can be hard to spot if you're unfamiliar with them.

See our links on where to park safely in Pistoia, and close to Pistoia Sotterranea.

The website parkopedia has great parking information:

• locations that are close to Pistoia Sotterranea
• the approximate walk time to Pistoia Sotterranea from each car park
• and even tells you the fees associated with paid parking.

Click here to see the parking nearby via the Parkopedia website.

***If you flip your phone to landscape mode you can see the map & pricing.

They also have a mobile app that you can download.

Please note: we do not warrant the Parkopedia website or it's content, but it sure seems useful.

Absolutely! We welcome group bookings, whether you're a history-loving club, a travel agency, or a big bunch of curious friends. Just make sure your group has at least 15 people to qualify for the group rate

There is a form on our website that you can fill out to tell us about your school’s needs. Once we receive your request, we’ll get back to you by email or phone to help organize the visit.

Absolutely! We offer reduced rates for school groups, travel agencies, and tour operators. Contact us for a custom quote.

Yes, you can! 

Private tours are perfect for families, companies, or anyone wanting a more personal experience. Just let us know your preferred date and time, and we’ll work with you to make it happen.