View of Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia during the Giostra dell’Orso

IdeasPhoto © Nicolò Begliomini

A journey back to the Middle Ages in Pistoia and the Pistoiese Mountains

Stories, battles and traditions, blending folklore and historical reenactments

Costume parades, flag-throwing performances, archery competitions, traditional dances ... Each year, the Pistoia area comes alive with a rich calendar of medieval reenactments, bringing together cities and villages on a fascinating journey through time.

From the historic center of Pistoia to the village of Cutigliano, amid piazzas, fortresses, abbeys and ancient castles, with events that bring the story of centuries of history, traditions and local identity to today. Knights, dames, squires and commoners fill the streets with scenes from the lives, characters and atmospheres of the past.

1.Pistoia

2 flag-throwers from the Compagnia dell’Orso performing with their flags — 2 flag-throwers from the Compagnia dell’Orso - Credit: Compagnia dell'Orso

In Pistoia, every July 25, the historic Giostra dell’Orso takes place, with an equestrian tournament preceded by an evocative historical procession featuring about 300 participants in period costume. The Giostra is the best-known part of the celebrations for Saint James but in July, Pistoia also hosts other events linked to Saint James and the city’s ancient traditions. Among these is the Vestizione di San Jacopo (Dressing of Saint James), an ancient ceremony in which the statue of the saint is adorned with the traditional red cloak.

At the end of September in the historic center, the spotlight shifts to Pistoia Medioevo 1322, the event that brings medieval atmosphere, traditions and crafts back to the present.

Also toward the end of summer, just a few miles from the city, at the ancient Benedictine abbey, the historical festival of Badia a Pacciana is held. The highlight is dinner in the cloister, where guests can dress in period costume and enjoy a menu inspired by recipes found in medieval cookbooks.

2.Cutigliano Medievale

Cutigliano Medievale set up in the historic center, featuring a crafts stall, floral decorations and a performer in period costume. — Credit: Pro Loco Cutiglia

Heading toward the Pistoiese Mountains, Cutigliano Medievale transports the town back to the atmospheres of the past, with costumed parades, re-enactors and drummers who take the town’s streets back to the past each July. In Gavinana, rather, the Ferrucciani celebrations held in August commemorate the battle of 1530 and the exploits of the Florentine Condottiero Francesco Ferrucci, bringing one of the most significant episodes in local history to present times.

3.Serravalle Pistoiese

Re-enactors in armor and period costumes march with a red flag in front of the Rocca di Castrucci (Castruccio Fortress) — Siege of the fortress - Credit: Comune di Serravalle Pistoiese

Serravalle Pistoiese is transformed into a huge open-air theater with Assedio alla Rocca, which in September commemorates the events of 1302, when the Lucca militias clashed with the Florentine forces led by Marquis Moroello Malaspina. Military encampments, battles, performances and scenes of daily life from that era transport the town back to the atmospheres of the Middle Ages.

For history buffs and everyone else, a series of events lets you rediscover the past through reenactments, music, folk traditions and moments of togetherness.

For more information, visit visitpistoia.eu.