Holiday apartment in Limestre: Art, Nature and History

Limestre combines an industrial history with contemporary art and guided nature tours. The upper valley remained largely uninhabited until Metallurgica Italiana (SMI) first built a new plant there, followed by a workers’ district and finally a church. This development forms part of Limestre’s historical background.

On 16 February 1957, the new parish of Limestre was established by a decree of Bishop Longo Dorni. It was assigned the Church of Madonna della Neve (SS. Maria ad Nives), built by SMI.

Art, nature and guided visits

In the forest art trail, works by contemporary artists and architects meet the landscape of the Oasi Dynamo nature reserve. OCA Oasy Contemporary Art and Architecture offers an immersive trail in the heart of the Pistoia Apennines, within the Oasi Dynamo nature reserve, featuring works by contemporary artists and architects. The forest art trail of OCA Oasy Contemporary Art and Architecture is accessible only as part of a guided tour; it must be booked 48 hours in advance, and tours take place at 10:00 and 15:00. An OCA visit therefore combines a fixed appointment with a hike classified as moderately difficult.

Arne Quinze’s temporary exhibition “I’m a gardener” and the installations in the permanent collection at OCA Oasy Contemporary Art and Architecture can be visited from 25 April to 1 November 2026. Visits to Oasi Dynamo take place exclusively as guided tours according to an annual programme and with advance reservation. The art offerings follow a fixed exhibition period, while the nature visits follow Oasi Dynamo’s annual programme.

The Oasi Dynamo visitor centre offers educational programmes for schools and families, open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and various activities for body and mind. This makes the site a place that combines learning, culture and different forms of shared activity.

Peaks and museums in the surrounding area

Kengo Kuma’s Dynamo Pavilion uses steel and carbon-fibre structures that wind among the trees. The visit to OCA Oasy Contemporary Art and Architecture begins at the Croce di Piteglio car park with a walk of approximately 30 minutes. The approach is classified as moderately difficult and involves 250 metres of elevation gain. For an OCA visit, the walk from Croce di Piteglio is a separate part of the day’s planning.

There are four peaks in the area around Limestre: Monte Tagliola, Cesto del Lupo, le Piaggete and Poggiobello.

The Museo dell'Ospedale del Ceppo, a museum, is also located in the area around Limestre. In the wider regional surroundings of Limestre are the Museo dell'Antico Ospedale Del Ceppo and the Percorso Attrezzato Archeologico, both museums, as well as the Palazzo Panciatichi, a palace. The cultural surroundings therefore extend from a museum in the immediate area to additional museums and a palace in the wider regional area.

More places for planning your trip: Chiesina Uzzanese, Lizzanello, Massa E Cozzile, San Marcello Pistoiese, Montecatini Terme, Pianosinatico, Abetone and Cutigliano.

Back to the main travel overview: Pistoia.