Excursion to Pistoia

Yesterday, with Ron and Susi, we headed off to Pistoia, a historic town just this side of Florence.  Pistoia has a history of metalworking and gunsmithing, and one of its claims to fame is the word pistol - small handheld guns originated there in the 16th century.

An unexpected delight -  a rare steam train at Lucca, during our 10 minute change of trains

Big tractors in the square for the harvest thanksgiving

Distressed horse and rider sculpture by Marino Marini

In the Piazza del Duomo

The 15th cent. Ospedale del Ceppo with glazed decoration by Giovanni della Robbia and Santi Buglioni

Outside the Ospedale

We enjoyed an excellent lunch outside 

Barbara, Ron and Susi outside the Fortezza Santa Barbara