Palio di Santa Reparata
The Renaissance re-enactment and the crossbowmen's challenge in the Medici fortress city of Terra del Sole
About Palio di Santa Reparata
The Palio di Santa Reparata, a challenge that has lasted for over sixty years
The Palio di Santa Reparata is the most important historical re-enactment in Terra del Sole, a hamlet of the Municipality of Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole, in the province of Forlì-Cesena (Emilia-Romagna). The event traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of September and in 2026 will reach its 63rd edition: an event that brings the Renaissance town back to the glories of the 16th century, when this village was the political and military centre of the Grand Duchy's Romagna Toscana.
Terra del Sole, the ideal city of the Renaissance
To understand the Palio, one must know the place that hosts it. Terra del Sole was founded in 1564 by Cosimo I de' Medici as a fortress city and ideal city, designed on a rectangular plan with corner bastions and walls up to nine metres thick, intended to withstand firearms. From this nucleus, the two districts that still compete for the Palio today were born: the Borgo Romano, facing Rome, and the Borgo Fiorentino, facing Florence. The re-enactment celebrates the establishment of the Grand Ducal Commissioner of Tuscany, which took place in these very years.
The crossbowmen's competition and the painted banner
The heart of the day is the bench crossbow shooting competition: the crossbowmen of the two districts compete to win the Palio, a painted banner depicting Saint Reparata, the city's patron saint, which is reinterpreted by a different artist each year. Surrounding the competition is the historical procession with over 300 figures in Renaissance attire, popular games, tug-of-war, and the choreographies of the flag-throwers, in a succession of scenes that animate the scenic Piazza d'Armi.
A village that returns to the 16th century
- Renaissance market with artisans and period shops
- Historical procession: commissioner, judges, knights, district captains, armed men, and ladies
- Flag-throwers, musicians, and drummers
- Popular games and tug-of-war between Borgo Romano and Borgo Fiorentino
- Evening celebrations for the winning district
Admission to the event is free. The Palio di Santa Reparata is today one of the most cherished re-enactments in Romagna and is included among recognized historical events, an opportunity to discover one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Italy.
Palio di Santa Reparata — edition 2026
The 63rd edition of the Palio di Santa Reparata will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Terra del Sole, within the Municipality of Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole (FC). The date is confirmed by the official calendar of summer 2026 events, while the detailed schedule and the name of the artist who will create the banner will be announced by the Pro Loco in the weeks preceding the event.
The structure of the day follows the established pattern of the re-enactment: in the morning, the opening of the Renaissance market with artisans and period shops; in the afternoon (approx. from 4:00 PM), the historical procession, popular games, flag-throwers, and the bench crossbow competition between the two districts, who will compete for the painted banner dedicated to Saint Reparata.
Programme Palio di Santa Reparata 2026
The detailed program for the 63rd edition (full timings, guided tour route, district dinners, and the name of the artist who created the banner) will be announced by Pro Loco Terra del Sole in the weeks leading up to the event. The usual structure of the day, documented in recent editions, includes:
- Morning — Opening of the Renaissance market with artisans and period shops
- Afternoon (from approx. 4:00 PM) — Historical procession with over 300 figures in Renaissance costume from the districts' headquarters to Piazza d'Armi
- Popular games, performances by flag-throwers and musicians, tug-of-war between Borgo Romano and Borgo Fiorentino
- Bench crossbow shooting competition for the award of the painted banner of Saint Reparata
- Evening — Celebrations of the winning district with music and entertainment
In previous editions, the event has been preceded by several days of collateral activities (blessing of the Palio, guided tours "Terra del Sole in its best attire", district dinners). The 2026 details will be published on the official website.
Highlights Palio di Santa Reparata 2026
Prices Palio di Santa Reparata 2026
Practical information — Palio di Santa Reparata
Getting there
Terra del Sole is located along the Via Emilia, in the Municipality of Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole (FC). By car: take the Forlì exit from the A14 motorway, then follow the SS67 towards Florence for about 11 km. By train: take the train to Forlì station, then take a local bus (Start Romagna) towards Castrocaro/Terra del Sole.
When
The 63rd edition is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026. The Renaissance market opens in the morning; the historical procession and crossbow competition animate the Piazza d'Armi from the afternoon (approx. from 4:00 PM).
Tickets
Free admission. Some guided tours of the fortress and districts may be subject to a fee.
Information
Pro Loco Terra del Sole — Viale G. Garibaldi 46, Castrocaro Terme. Tel. +39 0543 769631 / +39 350 5193970.
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Where does it take place — Palio di Santa Reparata
Piazza d'Armi, Terra del Sole
Piazza d'Armi, 47011 Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole