Lega di Ripoli Tournament

A journey through time in Bagno a Ripoli

The Lega di Ripoli Tournament is the major historical re-enactment festival of the Municipality of Bagno a Ripoli, in the Province of Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. For an entire weekend, the Giardini Silvano Nano Campeggi ai Ponti, along Via Roma, transform into a multi-era historical encampment divided into medieval and Renaissance sections, where re-enactment groups from all over Tuscany and various regions of Italy bring a continuous show to life from morning until night.

Historical origins

The event is rooted in an ancient tradition: as early as the Middle Ages, on Pentecost, "flag games" were held at the Pieve di San Pietro a Ripoli. The community of Bagno a Ripoli was one of the 76 Leagues into which the civic militia of the Florentine countryside was organized starting in 1250. The event draws inspiration from this legacy, bringing to life a little-known chapter of the history of Florence and its territory.

What to see

The encampment is the heart of the festival: among the tents, you can stroll as if through a market of yesteryear, meeting artisans, ladies in period costumes, and masters of ancient crafts. The program features falconry displays, demonstration fencing bouts, archery exhibitions, jesters with juggling and acrobatics, historical dances, and the famous flag-wavers and musicians tournament, which closes the two-day event with the colors of flags tossed into the air.

• Multi-era historical encampment, medieval and Renaissance
• Falconry displays and combat masters
• Jesters, juggling, and evening show with fire and knife throwing
• Historical cooking competition and ancient dances
• Educational workshops for children: ancient writing, pottery, weaving
• Procession from the Pieve di San Pietro and final flag-wavers tournament

An event for the whole family

Organized by the Associazione Culturale Contrada Alfiere with the patronage of the Municipality of Bagno a Ripoli, the Lega di Ripoli Tournament is also designed for children, who can try their hand at educational activities and earn the "perfect re-enactor certificate." Admission is free, making this re-enactment a perfect day trip a few kilometers from Florence for those who want to breathe in the atmosphere of the Tuscan Renaissance.