Palio dei Carri di Giustenice

Giustenice Returns to the Middle Ages

In the heart of summer, Giustenice, a small municipality in the hinterland of Savona, in Liguria, transforms into a medieval village. The Palio dei Carri is one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in western Liguria, organised since 1972 by the Centro Storico Culturale Jus Tenens.

An Episode from 1448

The event commemorates a real event that took place in 1448: the destruction of the castle of Marquis Giovanni Del Carretto by the Republic of Genoa, as part of the struggles for territorial control. This historical episode forms the narrative framework for the festival days, featuring a historical costume parade and period settings.

The Challenge Between the Contrade

The highlight is the Palio dei Carri itself: the town's contrade compete in a head-to-head race with two-wheeled carts pushed by hand, in Piazza San Michele. An exciting and spectacular race, demanding strength, strategy, and cheering, culminating in the winning of the palio (banner).

History, Gastronomy, and Community

Alongside the competition, the festival offers a medieval dinner and food stalls with traditional dishes. It is an event that combines historical re-enactment, conviviality, and local identity, attracting visitors from all over the Savona area and keeping the historical memory of Giustenice alive.