Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo – Medieval Joust and Tradition in Tuscany

• Region: Tuscany

• Province / Nearest City: Province of Arezzo / Arezzo

• Title: Giostra del Saracino – The Medieval Spirit of Arezzo

Introduction:
Twice a year, the city of Arezzo transforms into a medieval stage. Flags wave, drums roll, and knights in shining armor thunder through Piazza Grande. The Giostra del Saracino is not just a show—it’s a centuries-old tradition where history, rivalry, and pride come alive.

Origins and Meaning:
The tournament dates back to the Middle Ages, when Christian knights trained for battle against Saracen invaders. The aim was to sharpen skills with the lance by charging at a wooden effigy of the Saracen. Over time, it became a civic festival, with each of Arezzo’s four historic quarters competing fiercely for honor and victory.

Event Atmosphere:
The whole city dresses in medieval colors: banners hang from balconies, tambourines echo through alleys, and parades of men-at-arms, ladies, and flag-throwers bring the past to life. The climax is in Piazza Grande, where knights on horseback gallop at full speed, lance in hand, aiming to strike the Saracen’s shield for the highest score. The crowd erupts with cheers, pride, and sometimes tears—the competition is serious business!

What to Expect and How to Join:
The Giostra del Saracino takes place on the third Saturday of June (by night) and the first Sunday of September (by day). Tickets for the stands in Piazza Grande are available online or at the tourist office. Before the joust, don’t miss the medieval parade with over 300 participants in costume, a spectacle of drums, trumpets, and choreographed flag-throwing.

• Address: Piazza Grande, 52100 Arezzo (AR)

• How to Get There:

  • By car: Arezzo is on the A1 motorway (Florence–Rome). Parking areas are located outside the historic center with shuttle buses to Piazza Grande.

  • By public transport: Trains connect Florence to Arezzo in about 1 hour; the station is a 15-minute walk from Piazza Grande.

• Nearby Food & Stay: After the joust, enjoy Tuscan specialties like acquacotta soup, pici pasta, and chianina steak in the old town trattorie. Arezzo offers a wide range of B&Bs and boutique hotels in medieval palaces.

Conclusion:
The Giostra del Saracino is more than a festival—it’s Arezzo’s heartbeat, a ritual of history and identity. To witness it is to feel the clash of lances, the roar of the crowd, and the living pride of a city that never forgets its past.