Every July 25, the heart of Pistoia transforms into a medieval arena for the Giostra dell'Orso, a horse joust that celebrates the city's patron saint, San Jacopo. For one evening, Piazza del Duomo becomes an oval track lined with bleachers, where knights representing ancient city districts charge at a bear-shaped target. The event is a point of pride for locals and a spectacular draw for visitors.
What Is the Giostra dell'Orso?
The Giostra dell'Orso, or Joust of the Bear, is an equestrian tournament among Pistoia's four historic districts, called rioni. It is held on the evening of July 25 in Piazza del Duomo, in honor of San Jacopo, the city's patron saint. The event revives a tradition that dates back centuries, and today it is a carefully choreographed spectacle of riders in period costume and historical pageantry.
When and Where Does the Giostra Take Place?
The main joust is always scheduled for July 25, starting at 9:30 pm, with a historical parade earlier in the day. The setting is the Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia, which is transformed into an oval race track with temporary seating for thousands of spectators. If bad weather forces a postponement, the municipality states the event is moved to the next suitable day, no later than July 28.
The History: From Medieval Origins to Revival
The origins of the joust go back to medieval times, with references suggesting a tournament was held in Pistoia as early as the 13th century. One source notes that the event was already known in 1358, and it has long been tied to the feast of San Jacopo. The bear itself is a symbol of Pistoia, appearing on the city's coat of arms, and the joust is named after it.
The modern incarnation dates from 1947, when the joust was revived. It was suspended in 2014, then restored two years later in 2016 following a petition that showed how deeply the community wanted the tradition to continue. That interruption is a reminder that the event's calendar is not guaranteed; always confirm the current edition with official channels.
The Four Districts (Rioni) of Pistoia
Four rioni compete in the Giostra, each linked to an ancient city gate and distinguished by its coat of arms and colors. They are the Cervo Bianco (White Deer) of Porta Lucchese in white and green, the Drago (Dragon) of Porta Carratica in red and green, the Leon d'Oro (Golden Lion) of Porta San Marco in yellow and red, and the Grifone (Griffon) of Porta al Borgo in red and white.
How the Joust Works: Rounds and Rules
Each district fields three knights, and the competition consists of 18 rounds. In each round, two knights, representing different districts, gallop down the track and attempt to strike a target shaped like a bear. The first knight to hit the target earns three points, while the second earns one; if a knight misses, no points are awarded.
The district with the highest total at the end wins the Palio, a banner of prestige. The individual rider who scores the most points is named the Knight of the Golden Spur, or Cavaliere Speron d'Oro. Understanding the scoring system makes it easier to follow the tension as the rounds progress.
The Historical Parade and Other Celebrations
The joust is the climax of a day full of events dedicated to San Jacopo. In the morning, the districts gather at the Cathedral of San Zeno, and around 10 am a historical parade winds through the city streets, followed by a Mass at 11 am. In the evening, before the joust, there is another procession with participants in period dress, ending in Piazza del Duomo, where the bishop blesses the knights and horses.
The festival atmosphere builds over several days. On the vigil of San Jacopo, the cathedral hosts first vespers and a Mass, and fireworks light up the sky. For visitors, attending the parade and the blessing offers a fuller experience of the city's devotion to its patron.
Watching the Giostra: Tickets and Tips
To watch the main joust on July 25, you must buy a ticket. According to the municipality, seating costs 20 euro and standing 10 euro, with tickets available at the ticket office on the ground floor of the Tower of Catilina and, on the day itself, also in via Roma. Prices and availability can change each year, so confirm the current details on the official Comune di Pistoia site before your visit.
Attending the Free Trials (Prove)
In the days before the main event, you can watch the trials, known as the prove, for free. According to the municipality's official page, these practice sessions take place on the evenings of July 22 and 23, starting at 8:30 pm. Each night features two districts getting familiar with the track, and the sessions also offer a chance to buy tickets for the main joust at a sales point under the bell tower.
Check the official Comune di Pistoia website closer to your visit to confirm the exact dates and times for the trials, as they are announced each year. Seeing the trials is a good way to enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds of the main event.
Plan Your Visit: Practical Information for Piazza del Duomo
Pistoia is well-connected by train, and the historic center is compact, so you can easily walk to Piazza del Duomo. If you are planning a trip, consider arriving a day early to watch the trials and soak up the build-up. Combine your visit with other summer events in the city, such as the Pistoia Blues Festival, which also takes place in July.
For up-to-date logistics and any last-minute changes, check the municipality's website or contact the local tourism office. Most sources suggest that the joust draws thousands of spectators, so arrive early if you have a standing ticket to get a good viewpoint.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a memorable summer spectacle, the Giostra dell'Orso offers a unique window into Pistoia's medieval past. Mark July 25 on your calendar, secure your ticket in advance, and you can enjoy the pounding hooves and medieval pageantry in one of Tuscany's most charming piazzas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Giostra dell'Orso?
The Giostra dell'Orso is a historic horse joust held annually on July 25 in Pistoia, Italy. Four districts of the city compete in a medieval-style tournament to strike a bear-shaped target, celebrating the feast day of the city's patron saint, San Jacopo.
When is the Giostra dell'Orso held?
The main joust takes place every year on July 25, starting at 9:30 pm in Piazza del Duomo. If bad weather forces a cancellation, the event is postponed to the next possible day, not later than July 28.
How does the Giostra dell'Orso work?
Each of the four districts has three knights, and the tournament consists of 18 rounds. In each round, two knights race and try to hit a bear-shaped target. The first to hit scores three points, the second one point, and no points for a miss. The district with the most points wins the Palio.
What are the four districts of Pistoia?
The four districts are the Cervo Bianco (White Deer) of Porta Lucchese, the Drago (Dragon) of Porta Carratica, the Leon d'Oro (Golden Lion) of Porta San Marco, and the Grifone (Griffon) of Porta al Borgo. Each has its own colors and coat of arms.
Where can I watch the Giostra dell'Orso?
The joust takes place in Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia, which is set up with bleachers for spectators. Tickets are required for the main event, and they can be purchased from the ticket office near the square or at other designated points in the city.
How much are tickets for the Giostra dell'Orso?
The municipality of Pistoia publishes ticket prices on its official website. Prices may vary from year to year, so check the official Comune di Pistoia site for the latest information.
