Pistoia

Pistoia

The city of Pistoia is located at the foot of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine mountain range, at the center of a wide plain that extends from the Ombrone stream to the Monte Albano. The city was founded in the second century A.C. by the northward expanding Romans which made it a Roman colony.
The heart of the city is without a doubt the Piazza del Duomo where the Cathedral, Baptistery, Bishop's Palace, Praetorian Palace and City Hall can be admired.
Each year on July 25, day in which Pistoia celebrates its patron saint, San Jacopo, the Piazza del Duomo is host to the Joust of the Bear tournament.
Another important attraction is Pistoia's Zoological Garden, which draws numerous visitors each year.

Sites

	Comune di Pistoia - www.comune.pistoia.it - The official site for the city is clear and well done. There are various sections dedicated to its residents, with information on services, events and jobs as well as information on the city council and its activities. However, when one clicks on the English language version, one finds that only a brief guide to visiting the city has been translated. The information within the guide is detailed, with a history of the city and of the monuments and churches.
	Pistoia Blues Festival - www.pistoiablues.com - Site for the annual international music festival held over three days in July in the historical center of Pistoia. Information on this year's program and participating artists. Also includes a short history on past editions, a photographic gallery, a FAQs section and, closer to the festival date, information on purchasing tickets. A must for blues lovers.
	Pistoia Tour - digilander.libero.it/pistoia_tour/ - The site proposes a virtual visit to the city of Pistoia, very detailed and with a lot of information on the city. There is information on churches, buildings, monuments and other places of interest, with descriptions and photographs. A virtual map makes it easy to see each of the historical points of interest; unfortunately, the site is only in Italian.
	Pistoia Zoo - www.zoodipistoia.it - Official site for the Zoological Gardens in Pistoia, with general information on the animals and fauna hosted at the zoo. A section contains photographs of the latest births that have taken place, and other sections contains details on visiting hours, tickets, services and map of the zoo.
	COPIT - Pistoia Transport Company - www.copitspa.it - Official site for the company that manages mobility in the Pistoia area offers information on services such bus rental and details on the parking areas it manages. The public transportation in the city of Pistoia and province is offered by the BluBus line, of which you can view maps, schedules and rates.