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Battle of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte), 

Pisa, Italy

Battle of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte) -
 
27 Jun 2010  

Its origins may be lost in the mists of time, but this summer pageant with a cast of thousands is still the most important annual event in Pisa. Armies representing the Mezzogiorno (south of the River Arno) and Tramontana (north of the river) neighbourhoods of the city meet at the Ponte di Mezzo, where the opposing teams demonstrate their physical strength and prowess. No longer do they bludgeon each other with maces and pointed shields (as they did in days of yore), but instead they take turns to push an immense cart weighing several tons, and they are judged by the force of their efforts. Before the "battle" there is a grand procession along the banks of the Arno with hundreds of participants wearing medieval costume, many of them in the Spanish style of the late 16th-century. Approximately 100,000 turn out for the event each year.

Times
Daytime.


Culture  History  Spectacle  Entertainment  Sport 


Where?

Central area of Pisa

Includes the four streets parallel to Arno River close to Ponte di Mezzo

Getting There

Foot: All areas can be reached on foot from central hotels.

How Much?

Free.

For More Information

Comune di Pisa

Turismo Comune di Pisa
Pisa
Tuscany
Italy

Tel +39 050 910 393.
Email 

Website  www.comune.pisa.it


Event Organisers Corner



 

 

 

NB: While every care has been taken to ensure the information provided is accurate, we advise you to check with the event organisers before travelling to confirm the details are correct.