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 grand medieval historical re-enactment of Assisi (Province of Perugia), linked to the figure of the city's patron saint. Organized by the Compagnia Balestrieri di Assisi (Assisi Crossbowmen Company), it transports the historic center back to the 14th-century atmosphere, 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 towards a target called 'corniolo' or 'tasso', placed 36 meters 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 a silver crossbow and the title of city champion. Everything is conducted in accordance with the rules and customs of the era.
Processions, Market, and Banquets
In addition to the competition, the Palio offers a rich re-enactment setting: the historical market in Piazza del Comune reconstructs the ancient fair held on Saint Rufinus's day, with artisans at work; there are also costumed processions, 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 meters away.
The entire re-enactment unfolds around the competition: the historical market in Piazza del Comune, the costumed processions, the medieval banquets, and the evening torchlight shows. 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 San Rufino historical market 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
Costumed processions, 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 via the SS75, with parking available at Piazza Matteotti and Porta Nuova, or by train at Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli station with shuttle buses to the historic center. Events take place in Piazza del Comune and the streets of the center.
Admission
Processions, the historical market, and the crossbow competition take place in public areas of the center; some banquets and evening shows may require booking. Program and details are available 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