Pitesti is a city in Romania, located on the Arges River. The capital and largest city of Arges County, it is an important commercial and industrial center, as well as the home of two universities. Pitesti is situated in the historical region of Muntenia. It lies on the A1 freeway connecting the city directly to the national capital Bucharest, being an important railway junction, with a classification yard in nearby Balilesti. The city houses the Arpechim oil refinery, and is a marketing center for the automotive industry, in particular Automobile Dacia.

Inhabited since prehistoric times but first mentioned in the 14th century, it developed as a trading town in northern Wallachia, serving as an informal residence for various Wallachian Princes until the 18th century. From the 19th century and until the interwar period, it was an important political center for the National Liberal Party and the main residence of the Bratianu family of politicians. During the early stages of the communist regime, it was one of the main sites of political repression, with the Pitesti prison becoming home to an experiment in brainwashing techniques.

Each year during springtime, Pitesti is host to a festival and fair known as Simfonia lalelelor (the "Tulip Symphony"). Tulips were introduced locally in 1972-1973, when around 3,000 bulbs brought from Arad and Oradea were planted in its central area, along with other flowers. Pitesti consequently acquired a reputation as a tulip-growing area, and the flower-themed festival was first organized by the local authorities in 1978. Typically held in the cultural centre building (Casa Cartii), the festival also includes folk music performances, international scientific conferences, an art exhibit and youth sport competitions.