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Event Details
The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo
The exact date for 2027 has not been announced yet. Traditionally held in September, Piazza Grande in Arezzo transforms into a medieval arena for the Giostra del Saracino. Known as the Giostra della Madonna del Conforto, this September edition is dedicated to the city's patron saint and is widely regarded as the most important event in Arezzo's civic calendar.
Highlights
- Historic procession featuring over 300 participants in handcrafted medieval costumes
- Competition between the four historic quarters: Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea and Porta Santo Spirito
- Eight mounted knights charge at full gallop toward the wooden effigy known as the Buratto, the "King of the Indies"
- Award of the coveted Lancia d'Oro (Golden Lance) to the winning quarter
- Flag-throwers, drummers and period musicians throughout the day
- Preparatory events traditionally begin a few days before the main event
Program
The exact date for 2027 has not been announced yet. The week leading up to the tournament is traditionally packed with official events: jousting trials on Piazza Grande, a full competition simulation, and the Prova Generale (General Rehearsal) on the Friday evening. The Bollatura dei Cavalli and Investitura dei Giostratori ceremony traditionally takes place on Piazza San Francesco the day before, followed by the traditional pre-joust banquets held in each quarter that evening.
On the day of the joust, the magnificent Corteo Storico winds through Arezzo's historic centre in the afternoon. More than 300 participants in meticulously researched 14th-century costume process through medieval streets accompanied by musicians and flag-throwers. The jousting then begins on Piazza Grande, where eight knights must lance the shield of the Buratto effigy at full gallop in under five seconds without being struck by its rotating flail. The tension in the square is genuine and electric.
Tickets
Tickets for the grandstands around Piazza Grande are available through the official Giostra del Saracino website and in person at the box office in Palazzo Comunale, Piazza della Libertà 1, Arezzo. In past years prices ranged from around €40 for standing areas to €50–€70 for seated grandstand sections, with premium Poltrona seats in the Lancia d'Oro sector reaching €100. Children under 4 enter free; reduced rates apply for children aged 5–14 and adults over 70. Tickets for the General Rehearsal are also available separately. Early booking is recommended, as demand is typically high.
The Corteo Storico procession through the Old Town can be followed free of charge from the street; arriving early to claim a spot along Piazza San Michele or Via Cavour is well worth it.
Visitor Tips
- Arezzo is directly accessible from the A1 motorway (exit: Arezzo); parking in the historic centre is extremely limited on the day, with shuttle services from outlying car parks.
- Arriving by train is highly recommended; Arezzo station sits on the main Florence–Rome line.
- Claim a spot along the Corteo Storico route (Piazza San Michele, Via Cavour) well before the procession begins.
- September in Arezzo is pleasantly warm during the day; bring a light layer for the cooler evening hours.
- Book accommodation months in advance; hotels near Piazza Grande fill up very quickly.
- The museums of the four historic quarters are often open free of charge or at reduced prices during tournament week, displaying historic lances and costumes.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
