Crossbow Palio
The ancient challenge between the crossbowmen of Gubbio and Sansepolcro in Piazza Grande
About Crossbow Palio
A Centuries-Old Rivalry
The Crossbow Palio is one of the most defining events in Gubbio, located in the heart of the Province of Perugia and medieval Umbria. It is a competition of ancient Italian crossbow shooting that sees the crossbowmen companies of Gubbio and the Tuscan town of Sansepolcro face off each year. This is a ritual rivalry that has been renewed for generations and is alternated between the two cities.
The Historical Procession
Before the competition, the city transforms. The historical procession winds through the streets of the center with figures in Renaissance costumes, ladies, dignitaries, drummers, and flag-wavers, culminating in the picturesque Piazza Grande, dominated by the Palazzo dei Consoli. This is where the actual competition takes place, before a large audience.
The Competition
The crossbowmen shoot at the tasso, the target placed at the far end of the square, aiming to hit the point closest to the central nail. The winner is the one who places the most accurate bolt, thus winning the painted Palio, an artwork entrusted to a different artist each year. The tension is extremely high, and each shot is met with the hushed anticipation of the crowd.
A Living Heritage
More than just a race, the Crossbow Palio is a piece of Gubbio's history that involves the entire community, preserved and passed down by the Società Balestrieri di Gubbio (Gubbio Crossbowmen Society). For visitors, it is the perfect opportunity to discover Gubbio in its most authentic, medieval guise.
Crossbow Palio — edition 2026
The Crossbow Palio 2026 returns to Gubbio on Sunday, May 31st, with the usual challenge between the crossbowmen of Gubbio and those of Sansepolcro in Piazza Grande. The day is marked by the historical procession in costume and the crossbow shooting competition in front of the Palazzo dei Consoli.
Among the novelties for 2026: the new Palio is the work of the Gubbio ceramic master Leo Grilli (born 1937), a historic figure in the city's art scene; a new costume for Battista Sforza also debuts, created with the support of the Fondazione Perugia and costume designer Daniele Gelsi, inspired by the portrait of the Dukes of Urbino by Piero della Francesca.
Programme Crossbow Palio 2026
Friday, May 29, 2026 — Palio Concert
- 9:15 PM — Palio Concert in the Church of Santa Maria al Corso: the quintet Ikuvium Brass performs pieces by Gershwin, Copland, Dvořák, Bernstein, and Berlin, followed by the Ikuvium Brass Ensemble with music by Puccini, Morricone, and Verdi.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 — Palio
- Morning — Reading of the Challenge Proclamation through the city streets.
- Afternoon — Historical procession in Renaissance costume through the city center, leading to Piazza Grande (the square is closed to traffic from 3:00 PM).
- Following — Crossbow shooting competition between the companies of Gubbio and Sansepolcro, in front of the Palazzo dei Consoli.
Official website: Società Balestrieri di Gubbio.
Highlights Crossbow Palio 2026
Prices Crossbow Palio 2026
Practical information — Crossbow Palio
How to Get Here
Gubbio does not have its own train station. The nearest is Fossato di Vico-Gubbio (about 20 km away), connected by bus. By car, it can be reached via the SS298 from Perugia or the E45 highway.
Where
The competition takes place in Piazza Grande, in the historic center. The procession passes through the main streets of the city.
Tips
Arrive early to find a spot in the square and to witness the historical procession in the afternoon.
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Where does it take place — Crossbow Palio
Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande, 06024 Gubbio