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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.
...awaiting the official poster...