Palio di San Rufino
The crossbow challenge between the medieval terzieri of Assisi
About Palio di San Rufino
Assisi Returns to the Middle Ages
The Palio di San Rufino is the great medieval historical reenactment of Assisi (Province of Perugia), linked to the figure of the city's patron saint. Organized by the Compagnia Balestrieri di Assisi (Company of Crossbowmen of Assisi), it brings the historic centre back to the atmosphere of the 14th century, with the three city terzieri — Dive Mariae, San Rufino, and San Francesco — as protagonists of the contest.
The Crossbow Competition
The heart of the event is the ancient crossbow shooting competition: the crossbowmen shoot their bolts at a target called 'corniolo or tasso', placed 36 metres away. The Palio — a banner painted by a nationally renowned artist — is awarded to the terziere that achieves the highest overall score, while the best shooter receives the silver crossbow and the title of city champion. Everything takes place in compliance with the rules and customs of the era.
Parades, Market, and Banquets
In addition to the competition, the Palio offers a rich reenactment setting: the historical market in Piazza del Comune reconstructs the ancient fair held on Saint Rufino's day, with artisans at work; there are also costume parades, medieval banquets, shows, exhibitions, and conferences, illuminated by torches and fires. For a few days, Assisi becomes an open-air history book.
Palio di San Rufino — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Palio di San Rufino takes place in the last days of August in Assisi, announced as even more spectacular. The three terzieri — Dive Mariae, San Rufino, and San Francesco — compete for the Palio in the traditional crossbow competition, with crossbowmen aiming at the target placed 36 metres away.
Around the competition, the entire reenactment unfolds: the historical market in Piazza del Comune, the costume parades, the medieval banquets, and the evening shows by torchlight. The painted Palio is awarded to the terziere with the highest score, while the best shooter receives the silver crossbow and the title of city champion.
Programme Palio di San Rufino 2026
Traditional Program (last weekend of August)
- Thursday — opening of the historical market of San Rufino in Piazza del Comune
- Friday — historical market and evening shows
- Saturday — Mass for the investiture of new crossbowmen and banquet ceremony
- Sunday — crossbow competition between the terzieri, awarding of the Palio di San Rufino and the silver crossbow
Costume parades, medieval banquets, and shows accompany the entire event. The precise dates and detailed program are published by the Compagnia Balestrieri di Assisi.
Highlights Palio di San Rufino 2026
Prices Palio di San Rufino 2026
Practical information — Palio di San Rufino
How to get there
Assisi (PG) can be reached by car from the SS75, with parking available at Piazza Matteotti and Porta Nuova, or by train at the Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli station with shuttle buses to the historic centre. Events take place in Piazza del Comune and in the streets of the centre.
Admission
Parades, the historical market, and the crossbow competition take place in public spaces in the centre; some banquets and evening shows may require booking. Programme and details on the website of the Compagnia Balestrieri di Assisi.
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Where does it take place — Palio di San Rufino
Piazza del Comune e centro storico di Assisi
Piazza del Comune, 06081 Assisi