a squatting bear, originally polychromed, as evidenced by the traces of red on the surface. The Micco bear is the heraldic symbol of the city of Pistoia, dating from the mid-14th century when, after having repulsed the siege of Giovanni Visconti, Pistoia needed an own emblem in contrast with that of Florence' lion, the lion, the Marzocco. The Micco came from the ￼“forest of bears” or Orsigna, a vast mountainous area once owned by the town of Pistoia. Reliefs of the Micco are still seen in the Pistoia town hall and in the most representative buildings of the city. The most common version shows the bear holding between its legs the city’s traditional red and white checked coat-of-arms, similar to the Florentine Marzocco which holds a lilied shield.