Palio di San Bartolomeo — Corse a Vuoto

A Renaissance tradition alive for over 460 years

The Palio di San Bartolomeo is one of the most iconic events in Ronciglione, a town in the Province of Viterbo overlooking Lake Vico in the Lazio region. At its heart are the famous Corse a Vuoto, races featuring 'scossi' (riderless) horses that take place along the streets of the historic center. The tradition dates back to 1548, when, under the rule of the Farnese family, the 'barberi' races—previously linked to the Roman Carnival—were moved to Ronciglione. Since then, they have only been interrupted during the two World Wars.

The 'barberi' and the Corse a Vuoto

The absolute stars are the barberi, horses whose name derives from the ancient Berber steeds of North Africa, renowned for their speed since Roman times. In the Corse a Vuoto, the horses are released to gallop freely along an 800-meter track that crosses the city from south to north, following the wide Renaissance streets commissioned by the Farnese. The starter coordinates the departure from a canopy: at the signal, the rope is lowered and the horses sprint between two walls of spectators, while the crowd waves handkerchiefs in their district's colors. At the finish line, uphill in the Montecavallo section, the Chiappini catch the animals. Official veterinarians inspect the horses before every heat, and anti-doping controls complete a race that is now deeply committed to animal welfare.

The nine districts

The city is divided into nine historic districts that compete to win the banner: Campanone, Case Nove, Fontana Grande, La Pace, Madonna di Loreto, Montecavallo, Monumento, Sant'Anna, and San Severo. Each district experiences the Palio with pride, through propitiatory dinners, blessings, processions, and the selection of horses, in an atmosphere of healthy rivalry that involves entire families and generations.

Historical pageants and folklore

The Palio is more than just a race. The days are enlivened by the town band, the historical pageant in costume, flag-wavers, the children's parade, and the evocative gallop of the hussars. It is a re-enactment that restores the atmosphere of Farnese-era Ronciglione and renews a deep bond with the feast of the patron saint, San Bartolomeo.

The 2026 innovation: the night race

The 26th edition of the Palio of Ronciglione, titled "Elegance in a Hand", introduces a historic turning point: for the first time, the Corse a Vuoto will be run at night, under the lights of Corso Umberto I. Free access to the parterre for residents has been confirmed, and the races will be broadcast via live streaming. An unmissable event for those who want to discover one of the most authentic equestrian traditions in Lazio, supported by the Municipality, the Lazio Region, and the Ministry of Culture.