Pescia is a charming, if lesser-known, city in the province of Pistoia, in Tuscany. It is thought to have had Lombard origins and the name is a Lombard word that means “river”, which makes sense as the town is located on the banks of a river by the same name.
For centuries, it was famous as a producer of fine silk and flourished under the profitable trade. However, this came to an end in the nineteenth century when commercial conflict with France, during the rule of Napoleon, destroyed the local silk trade. Thereafter, the city was in need of an alternative economic source of livelihood and the production of flowers and olive oil took over.
For centuries, it was famous as a producer of fine silk and flourished under the profitable trade. However, this came to an end in the nineteenth century when commercial conflict with France, during the rule of Napoleon, destroyed the local silk trade. Thereafter, the city was in need of an alternative economic source of livelihood and the production of flowers and olive oil took over.
Once famous as a city of silk, the city is now famous for its flowers. Today. the flower market in Pescia is an important reference point for the Italian and international floriculture industry and is where large quantities of flowers are bought and sold every day.
Among these flowers are locally grown greenhouse blooms, flowers from all over Tuscany and varieties from other Italian regions – such as roses from Puglia and Lazio, and tulips and irises from Sicily. You can also find flowers from abroad, such as roses from India and China, orchids from Thailand and other buds from the likes of Ecuador, Colombia, Israel and Oceania.
There are two flower markets in town, the Old Flower Market – an open but covered 1950s space – and the New Flower Market (of Mercato dei Fiori) – a giant modern building. Inside the latter, you will find the bustling trade of flowers still happening today.
Among these flowers are locally grown greenhouse blooms, flowers from all over Tuscany and varieties from other Italian regions – such as roses from Puglia and Lazio, and tulips and irises from Sicily. You can also find flowers from abroad, such as roses from India and China, orchids from Thailand and other buds from the likes of Ecuador, Colombia, Israel and Oceania.
There are two flower markets in town, the Old Flower Market – an open but covered 1950s space – and the New Flower Market (of Mercato dei Fiori) – a giant modern building. Inside the latter, you will find the bustling trade of flowers still happening today.
The massive space is filled with endless vendors selling an overwhelming selection of flowers. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in town and was built by the Ministry of Agriculture to house the flower market. The Ministry later turned the possession and operation of the facility over to the city and, each morning, it is full to brim with wholesale and commercial brokers, florists and, of course, flowers. It is quite the sight to behold and is definitely worth a visit – you'll find few other flower markets quite like it in the world!
Just find a vacation rental in Pescia and be sure to drop by the most floral spot in Tuscany!
Just find a vacation rental in Pescia and be sure to drop by the most floral spot in Tuscany!