Italians are very passionate about their sport and the Florentine's
and Tuscans are no exception. Nowadays feudal fighting between
the neighbouring cities of Florence and Siena has been replaced
with spectacular traditional sporting events like the Calcio in Costume Florence and the Palio bareback horserace in Siena.
Both are absolute must sees and if you need advice on how
to get tickets for the events or help with travel arrangements
please do not hesitate to contact the reception staff of the Hotel San Giorgio Florence who will only
be too pleased to help you. We can also help in organising
match tickets for the newly formed AC Fiorentina football
club so you can be there and say to the world that
you witnessed the second "Renaissance in Florence..."
Calcio in Costume
The Calcio in Costume has been going on for over 600 years! Held every June the matches are contested between the 4 historical neighbourhoods of Florence. The teams wear the colours of their quarters which are also the names for four of the main churchces in Florence: blue for Santa Croce, green for San Giovanni, red for Santa Maria Novella, white for Santo Spirito. There are two semi finals then the final and all the games are played in honour of St. John, the city's Patron Saint, whose feast is celebrated on June 24th. The prize for the winning team is a calf.
The Calcio in Costume matches are held in the centre of the square - usually Santa Croce but sometimes Piazza della Signoria, which is covered in sand for the occasion. The game itselfs reminds us more of rugby or American football than our the modern version of soccer. The rules, which have changed little since the 15th century, are practically non-existent: kicking, shouldering, elbowing, punching and blows below the belt, anything is allowed to enable the players to get hold of the ball and attempt a "caccia", in other words, to get the ball into the net of the adversary. It is rumoured that special day release is granted to some of the tougher inmates from Florence Prison to allow them to take part in the match.... Shots are fired into the air with a culverin when a "caccia" is scored and the atmosphere is so explosive that brawls and broken noses abound, in spite of this the match is still well worth going to see. See our concierge at the Hotel Rex for advice on how to purchase tickets for the Calcio in Costume Florence.
The Palio
Siena's Palio is one of the most exciting spectacles in the world: held twice a year (July 2 and August 16) the city's contrade, or neighborhoods, hold a bareback horse race around the town square in honor of the Virgin Mary. The spectacle only lasts 3 circuits of the main square however, the build up lasts nearly 5 hours as flag bearers and various processions keep the crowd entertained. Entrance to the Campo is free however, get there early if you want a good view as the Palio is very crowded. Alternatively you can pay for tickets and have a seat on one of the many overlooking balconies. See our concierge at the Hotel Rex Florence for advice on how to purchase tickets for the Palio in Siena.
Fiorentina Football Club
Attendances and results at the matches thus far have been good therefore if you want to go along to see a match Fiorentina play every Sunday. You can be guaranteed lots of excitement and hopefully lots of goals. Ask at the Hotel Rex reception for information on how to purchase tickets for the Fiorentina Football team home matches in Florence. |
