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This June and September will see the people of the Tuscan town Arezzo joust for glory.

The Giostra del Saracino (Jousting of the Saracens) festival dates back to the 13th century and is still run with as much fervour.

Based on a training exercise, riders enter the town's main square to show off their jousting skills, by riding towards a target in the form of a Saracen.

Before the competition, a parade of over 300 people and the 30 competitors all in period custom takes place as the horses are led to be blessed by the Bishop of Arezzo.

The eventual winner, who scores the most points by most accurately hitting the Saracino's shield, is presented with the Golden Lance.

Those heading to explore the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany often fly into Pisa, before heading to the hilltop town of Siena and the city of Florence.

Arezzo's mediaeval old town and may be recognised by some from the Oscar-winning film Life is Beautiful and film fans are helped to track the action of the film by information boards that point the way to where scene were shot.


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