Astiludio Historical Festival of Volterra

The Astiludio Historical Festival of Volterra

The Astiludio Historical Festival is one of the most evocative events in the Tuscan historical re-enactment calendar. It takes place in Volterra, a stunning city of art in the Province of Pisa, every first Sunday of September, when the monumental Piazza dei Priori transforms into the stage for a national flag-wavers' tournament. Recognized as a Historical Event of the Tuscany Region, the festival attracts groups from all over Italy and thousands of spectators to the stands set up at the foot of the Palazzo dei Priori.

Medieval Origins

The name derives from medieval Latin: hasta (the flag pole) and ludus (game, festival). The Astiludio has its roots in 1406, the year Volterra celebrated the news of Pisa falling under Florentine rule with great festivities. That historical memory lives on every year thanks to the Gruppo Storico Sbandieratori e Balestrieri Città di Volterra, which revived the tradition and organizes it with philological attention to costumes and choreography.

How the Competition Works

In the early afternoon, the district bells ring in unison, and four historical processions depart from the city gates — Porta a Selci, Porta Fiorentina, Porta San Francesco, and Porta all'Arco — parading through the city center until they converge in Piazza dei Priori. Here, each group has about thirty minutes to present their routines: flag throwing, pair and team maneuvers, accompanied by drums and clarions. Two independent commissions, one technical and one choreographic, evaluate the performances and crown the winner, who is awarded the Guiderdone, the event's symbolic prize.

The Youth Tournament

The festival is not just for the senior companies: the Astiludio also includes a youth tournament reserved for individual and pairs of junior flag-wavers, divided by age group. It is the moment when the new generation showcases their talent, ensuring the continuity of this ancient art.

An Experience in the Heart of Tuscany

Attending the Astiludio means experiencing Volterra on one of its most authentic days: the stone of the Etruscan and medieval towers provides the backdrop for a whirlwind of colorful fabrics, while the village, famous for its alabaster and Etruscan heritage, welcomes visitors with shops, museums, and panoramic views over the Val di Cecina hills. Admission is free, making it the perfect event for a family outing blending history and Tuscan folklore.