Palio della Vittoria: Tradition, history and passion since 1441 in Anghiari

Every June 29, the Tuscan village of Anghiari comes alive with one of Italy’s oldest historical competitions: the Palio della Vittoria. Created in 1441 to celebrate the victory of Florentine troops over Milanese troops in the Battle of Anghiari (1440), the event commemorates one of the most emblematic moments in Tuscan history, also immortalized in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous – and lost – fresco.

The heart of the event is the 1440-meter uphill footrace, which starts from the Chapel of Victory and ends in Piazza Baldaccio, in the center of the village. Unlike many other races, the Palio allows for pushing and physical contact between athletes, turning the race into a true challenge of endurance and cunning, which has earned it the nickname “the craziest race in the world.”

During the afternoon, Anghiari immerses itself in the past: costumed figures, flag-wavers, musicians, knights and drummers enliven the village streets in a spectacular historical re-enactment. At the end of the race, the winning municipality among the dozens in the race is proclaimed, and the great popular celebration within the medieval walls kicks off, with the traditional victory dinner, performances and conviviality.

An unmissable event for those who love history, tradition and adrenaline. Anghiari awaits you on June 29!