Palio dei Terzieri
Città della Pieve revives the Renaissance of Perugino
About Palio dei Terzieri
In the Città della Pieve of Perugino
The Palio dei Terzieri is the grand historical re-enactment of Città della Pieve, a town in the province of Perugia that was the birthplace of Pietro Vannucci, the famous Renaissance painter known as il Perugino. For about two weeks in August, the town relives the atmosphere of the 15th and Renaissance centuries, with period costumes, markets, taverns, and shows.
The Three Districts (Terzieri)
The heart of the event is the challenge between the three terzieri into which the city is historically divided: Borgo Dentro (black and yellow), Casalino (red and blue), and Castello (green and black). Each terziere sets up its own taverns with traditional dishes—Casalino's lumache al pizzico (snails with a pinch), Borgo Dentro's stinco dell'arciere (archer's shank), Castello's gnocchi del Priore (Prior's gnocchi)—and prepares its own float and participants.
The Bull Hunt (Caccia del Toro)
The culminating event is the Caccia del Toro, an archery contest that unbloodily re-enacts ancient Renaissance bull-running events. Archers from the three terzieri shoot at Chianina bull-shaped targets mounted on a rotating platform, in increasingly fast rounds. The winning terziere wins the Palio, a precious painted tapestry. The contest is preceded by an impressive historical parade of over 800 participants starting from Piazza del Plebiscito.
An Event of Identity
More than just a re-enactment, the Palio dei Terzieri is a festival that involves the entire community of Città della Pieve and Umbria, with year-round commitment. For visitors, it's an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Renaissance atmosphere with music, flag-wavers, street artists, and the excellent cuisine of the taverns.
Palio dei Terzieri — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Palio dei Terzieri enlivens Città della Pieve from August 10 to 23, with fourteen days of events that bring the Umbrian town back to the atmosphere of Perugino's Renaissance.
In the days leading up to the final challenge, the city relives the 15th century with Renaissance markets, shows, flag-wavers, and the taverns of the three districts (Borgo Dentro, Casalino, and Castello). The grand finale is the Caccia del Toro on Sunday, August 23, the archery contest preceded by the historical parade of over 800 participants starting from Piazza del Plebiscito towards the Campo de li Giochi.
Programme Palio dei Terzieri 2026
August 10-22 — The Weeks of the Palio
- Opening of the taverns of the three districts with typical dishes: lumache al pizzico (Casalino), stinco dell'arciere (Borgo Dentro), gnocchi del Priore (Castello)
- Renaissance markets, street artist shows, flag-wavers, and performances
- Presentation of the districts' floats
Sunday, August 23 — The Bull Hunt (Caccia del Toro)
- Grand historical parade with over 800 participants starting from Piazza del Plebiscito
- Caccia del Toro at the Campo de li Giochi: archers from the three districts shoot at Chianina bull-shaped targets mounted on a rotating platform, in increasingly fast rounds
- Awarding of the Palio (painted tapestry) to the winning district
The complete day-by-day program is published on the official Palio dei Terzieri website.
Highlights Palio dei Terzieri 2026
Prices Palio dei Terzieri 2026
Practical information — Palio dei Terzieri
How to get there
Città della Pieve is located in the southwesternmost part of Umbria, near the Tuscan border. By car: take the Fabro or Chiusi-Chianciano exits from the A1 motorway. The train station is on the Rome-Florence line.
Admission
Historical parades, markets, and outdoor events generally have free admission. The terzieri's taverns and some specific activities may have a fee. Grandstand seating may be available for the Caccia del Toro at the Campo de li Giochi. The updated program can be found on the official Palio website.
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Where does it take place — Palio dei Terzieri
Centro storico di Città della Pieve