XXIIPalio della Vittoria

Cover photo credit: Thomas Kroeckertskothen
 
Every 29 June, Anghiari hosts the Palio della Vittoria in memory of the Battle made famous throughout the world thanks to Leonardo da Vinci: on 29 June 1440, at the foot of the village, a battle took place between the Milanese troops of the Visconti and a coalition led by the Republic of Florence, which emerged victorious.
 
The afternoon begins with a re-enactment of the battle and features the arrival in Piazza Baldaccio of representatives from the local authorities, knights, and historical processions from Anghiari, Sansepolcro, Florence and Arezzo, culminating at sunset with a truly unique race: the race starts from the Maestà or Chapel of Victory, the site where the battle took place, and covers 1,440 metres uphill to the main square, which is packed with historical processions and spectators. During the race, anything goes – pushing, holding back, tackling: a true sporting battle. At the end, the town represented by the runner who is first to cross the hard-won finish line is awarded the coveted Palio.
 
THE PROGRAMME:
 

• Sunday 21 June
   
  • At 8.45 pm, the Historical Procession will wind its way through the historic centre of Anghiari towards the Chiesa della Croce, where the solemn blessing of the 2026 Palio della Vittoria will take place at 9.00 pm. The procession will return to Piazza Baldaccio, where the cloth will be presented to the young woman from Anghiari who turns 18 around 29 June, followed by the launch of the challenge
     
  • At 9.20 pm, the Ruga di San Martino will host the ‘provaccia’ for athletes from all the municipalities wishing to test their legs on the climb. At the end, the official draw will take place to determine the order in which the municipalities will be called upon to carry out the punching on 29 June to establish the starting grids

 

• Monday 29 June
   
  • 6.30 pm: historical re-enactment and parade in Piazza Baldaccio featuring the mayors, the historical processions from the participating municipalities and the athletes
     
  • At sunset, THE PALIO, the uphill race (1,440 metres in length, from the Cappella della Vittoria, situated on the plain linking Anghiari and Sansepolcro, to Piazza Baldaccio), which will reward not the individual athlete but the municipality he represents
     
  • 9.30 pm: along the ancient walls, the “Victory Dinner” with a new menu, open to all; bookings on 0575788009

 
In Piazza Baldaccio, as in previous years, a grandstand and a giant screen will be set up for the convenience of the public in attendance
 

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