Palio della Balestra

In the fascinating setting of Piazza Torre di Berta, among the Renaissance palaces of Sansepolcro, the historic contest against the crossbowmen of Gubbio takes place

Following ancient customs, the Palio della Balestra renews each year the centuries-old challenge between the crossbowmen of Sansepolcro and those of Gubbio. The city prepares for the event with the Feste del Palio, a calendar of events that brings the historic centre to life with re-enactments, flag-waving displays, cultural initiatives, religious moments and official ceremonies.

The tradition has its roots in medieval military exercises, when citizens were trained to use the powerful mounted crossbow used to defend the city. Crossbow competitions, already practised in the 14th century, became part of the celebrations for the founding saints Arcano and Egidio and accompanied the city’s main events for centuries.

Since 1951, the Palio has taken place as a historical re-enactment, with costumes inspired by the paintings of Piero della Francesca, who in 1453 owned a crossbow himself. The contest takes place in a solemn atmosphere, with the crossbowmen lined up in the square, the sound of drums and trumpets, the flag-wavers and the historical procession framing the challenge.

The winner is finally celebrated in procession, with ladies, dignitaries, musicians, flag-wavers and figures in Renaissance dress. The event is one of Sansepolcro’s most distinctive moments of identity and concludes the days dedicated to the Palio, the history and the traditions of the town.

PROGRAMME

Tuesday 1 September

“Luigi Batti” Shooting Range
9:00 PM
PALIO DI SANT’EGIDIO
curated by the Società Balestrieri Sansepolcro

from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September

Historic centre
RENAISSANCE SANSEPOLCRO
Theatre performances, the Market of Sant’Egidio and events in the historic centre, curated by Gruppo Sbandieratori Sansepolcro in collaboration with Teatro Popolare and Associazione Rinascimento nel Borgo.

Saturday 5 September

Exhibition Hall, Palazzo Pretorio
5:00 PM
FRAGMENTS OF THE PALIO
Opening of the photographic exhibition curated by the Società Balestrieri Sansepolcro

Piazza Torre di Berta
9:00 PM
FLAG-WAVING DISPLAYS
curated by Gruppo Sbandieratori Sansepolcro

Sunday 6 September

“Luigi Batti” Shooting Range
4:00 PM
OPEN DAY “THE TOWN WITH THE CROSSBOW”
curated by the Società Balestrieri Sansepolcro

Historic centre
from 3:00 PM
HISTORICAL GAMES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
curated by Gruppo Sbandieratori Sansepolcro, in collaboration with Associazione Rinascimento nel Borgo and Teatro Popolare

Wednesday 9 September

Piazza Torre di Berta
9:00 PM
PALIO OF THE DISTRICTS
curated by the Società Balestrieri Sansepolcro.
An evening of battle and challenge between the city districts: Porta Romana against Porta Fiorentina.

Thursday 10 September

Cathedral of San Giovanni Evangelista
9:00 PM
PROPITIATORY CONCERT FOR THE PALIO DELLA BALESTRA

Saturday 12 September

Cathedral of San Giovanni Evangelista
9:00 PM
OFFERING OF THE WAX

Sunday 13 September

Palazzo delle Laudi
11:30 AM
APPEARANCE OF THE HERALD
and parade through the streets of the historic centre
–
Steps of the Museo Civico
12:15 PM
INVESTITURE OF THE MAESTRO DI CAMPO
–
Piazza Torre di Berta
4:30 PM
CENTURIES-OLD PALIO DELLA BALESTRA
between the cities of Sansepolcro and Gubbio
–
Historic centre
7:00 PM
PARADE OF THE HISTORICAL PROCESSION
in honour of the winner of the Palio