The large Piazza del Duomo is lined with attractive original buildings: it is the setting (in July) of the Giostra dell'Orso ("Bear Joust"), when the best horsemen of the districts of the town tilt with lances at a target held up by a dummy shaped like a bear. These pictures are from the parade, with people in stunning dresses. We had a wonderful day at Pistoia. To see the parade and the "Bear Joust" is highly recomendable.
Pistoia city lies in the valley of the Ombrone River, with a semicircle of pleasant hills (part of the Apennines) to the north. The city lies about 18 miles (29 km) northwest of Florence.