Gioco dell'Anello

A re-enactment born from the village youth

The Gioco dell'Anello is a historical re-enactment and district challenge that brings Castelfranco di Sopra to life every year. Located in the municipality of Castelfranco Piandiscò, in the province of Arezzo, it sits in the heart of the Tuscan Valdarno. Conceived just a few years ago by a group of local youths eager to revive the village and its ancient division into gates (porte), the event has grown rapidly to become one of the most cherished summer appointments in the region. The 14th-century square of Castelfranco, with its medieval urban layout attributed to the tradition of Arnolfo di Cambio, provides a natural backdrop for three days of competition, processions, and conviviality.

The four competing Gates

The heart of the event is the competition between the four historic districts of the village, identified by the ancient city gates:

• Porta Buia
• Porta Montanina
• Porta Campana
• Porta Aretina

Each Gate fields its own team and procession of participants: over 130 characters parade in late medieval and Renaissance costumes, creating a grand historical tableau that winds through the village streets to the main square.

How it's played

The Gioco dell'Anello is a team sport that recalls Florentine historical football and other traditional Tuscan games, described by organizers as a mix between rugby and basketball. Teams compete on a field measuring approximately 18x18 meters: the goal is to pass the ball through a ring placed three meters high in the center of the playing field. The team that completes the most passes within the allotted time wins. The format includes two semi-finals and a final to award the edition's title.

Processions, flag-wavers, and festivities

A rich program of side events revolves around the competition. The historical procession starts from the evocative Badia di Soffena, a Vallombrosan monastic complex at the edge of the village, to reach the square amidst musicians and performers. The evenings are enlivened by performances from the Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini of Figline Valdarno, food stalls, street food areas, craft markets, and DJ sets until late at night. There is no shortage of community moments, such as the traditional big raffle (tombolone) and collateral sporting events.

An appointment for the Valdarno

Although it is a young event, the Gioco dell'Anello now represents a strong source of identity and pride for Castelfranco di Sopra and the entire Aretine Valdarno in Tuscany. It combines the competitive spirit of the districts with the rediscovery of traditions and a desire for community, attracting visitors from all over the province of Arezzo and beyond every year.