Palio dei Carri of 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, organized since 1972 by the Centro Storico Culturale Jus Tenens.

An Episode from 1448

The event commemorates a real event that occurred 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 that accompanies the festive days, with a historical costume parade and period settings.

The Challenge Between the Districts

The highlight is the actual Palio dei Carri: the village districts compete in a head-to-head race with two-wheeled carts pushed by hand, in Piazza San Michele. An exciting and spectacular race, made of strength, strategy, and cheering, culminating in the conquest of the palio.

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, capable of attracting visitors from all over the Savona area and keeping alive the historical memory of Giustenice.