On Sunday 18 May, the Palio della Balestra dedicated to Saint Ubaldo will take place in Gubbio, in the scenario of Piazza Grande. The challenge stems from a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, when Crossbowmen were entrusted with the task of protecting the territory from possible invaders. The skill in handling the Crossbow, important for the defence of borders, later gave rise to competitions and ‘sporting’ challenges among the knights of the time.

The current Palio is a historical re-enactment of such competitions, with the crossbowmen wearing traditional costumes.

The competition is between the crossbowmen of Gubbio and San Sepolcro and consists of hitting the ‘tasso’, a target placed 36 metres away. The crossbowman who manages to hit the point closest to the centre of the target receives the Palio, a valuable banner made each year by a well-known artist, as a prize.

During the event there is a virtuosic and spectacular performance by the Flag-wavers. At the end of the event, a historical procession winds its way through the streets of the city.

For more information: Palio-della-Balestra

Program