Joust of Arms of San Gemini

A re-enactment with roots in the 14th century

The Joust of Arms of San Gemini is one of Umbria's most important and ancient re-enactment events: its existence is already documented in the Municipal Statutes of the 14th century. Originally born as a popular game, over the centuries it has transformed into the grand festival that still animates the village of San Gemini, in the province of Terni, in honor of the patron saint Santo Gemine, whose feast day is October 9th.

The two Districts and the equestrian challenge

The heart of the Joust is the equestrian competition that pits the two city districts against each other: the Rione Rocca, in the upper northern part of the town, and the Rione Piazza, named after Piazza San Francesco, the civic heart of the village. Six knights, three per district, gallop to thrust their lances through an ring just five centimeters in diameter and then strike the noble shield called 'arme'. The prize is the silver palio, contested in a trial that scholars deem among the most technical and arduous of all Italian equestrian re-enactments.

Taverns, parades, and shows

Throughout the event, the historic center of San Gemini dresses up in medieval attire again: historic shops reopen, the streets fill with costumed figures, and every evening the District Taverns open, where you can taste traditional dishes and local wines in a period atmosphere. Each year, the Ente Giostra dell'Arme also chooses a theme that becomes the common thread for conferences, exhibitions, and performances, to explore historical and artistic aspects of the Middle Ages. The re-enactment aspect is also entrusted to the Compagnia dell'Ariete, a group of flag-wavers and armed men who manage parades and historical combat.

An event for all of Umbria

Considered one of the benchmark medieval re-enactments in central Italy, the Joust of Arms is an opportunity to discover San Gemini, an elegant village in the Terni Valnerina also known for its mineral waters, and to experience Umbrian medieval life through history, gastronomy, and entertainment. All information is available on the website of the Ente Giostra dell'Arme.