The medieval re-enactment of Santa Fiora featuring archers, a historical pageant, and flag-wavers
The Palio of Saints Flora and Lucilla is the grand historical re-enactment of Santa Fiora, a charming village on Mount Amiata in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma. Dedicated to the two martyr saints who protect the town, the Palio attracts residents and visitors every summer for a day fully immersed in a medieval atmosphere, complete with period costumes, the music of drummers, and the archery challenge between the local districts.
Flora and Lucilla are the patron saints of this Amiata village, whose relics are carried in procession through the streets of the historic center on the day of the feast. Over time, a celebration has developed around their veneration that combines religious devotion with popular tradition, bringing the ancient medieval customs of Santa Fiora back to life.
The competitive heart of the Palio is the archery competition, which features the various local districts: Santa Fiora, Selva, Bagnore, Bagnolo, and Marroneto. Archers compete for the Palio banner, testing their aim and focus in a challenge that renews the ancient rivalry between the town's quarters every year.
The highlight of the day is the historical medieval costume pageant that travels through the village, accompanied by the drummers of Santa Fiora and flag-wavers. The flag and drum performances bring the squares and the Peschiera Park to life, creating a spectacular backdrop for the archery competition and the celebrations in honor of the saints.
As evening falls, the festivities continue at the Peschiera Park with a medieval dinner accompanied by court entertainers and, as a grand finale, an evocative fire show. It is a convivial moment that brings the districts and the public together in a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
Visiting the Palio is also the perfect opportunity to discover Santa Fiora, one of the most characteristic villages in Tuscany, known for its Medici Peschiera, the springs of the Fiora River, and the charm of Mount Amiata. The event, organized by the Santa Fiora District with the patronage of the Municipality, is one of the most cherished summer appointments in the entire Amiata area.
The Palio of Saints Flora and Lucilla returns to Santa Fiora on Sunday, July 26, 2026, confirming the event on the last Sunday of July in the municipality's summer calendar. The Amiata village is preparing to relive its great medieval festival with the historical pageant, the patron saints in procession, and the archery challenge between the districts of Santa Fiora, Selva, Bagnore, Bagnolo, and Marroneto.
The detailed program with times and locations will be published by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event. The structure of the day will follow the established format: morning dedicated to the blessing of the Palio and the archers, afternoon with the historical pageant and performances by flag-wavers and drummers, and evening with the archery competition, the medieval dinner, and the fire show at the Peschiera Park.
2026 program pending official publication. Based on previous editions, the day takes place between Piazza Garibaldi, the Pieve Church, and the Peschiera Park: blessing of the Palio and archers in the morning, historical medieval costume pageant in the afternoon with drummers and flag-wavers, archery competition between the districts, evening medieval dinner, and a fire show to conclude. Times and details will be announced by the organizers.
The last Sunday of July. The 2026 edition is scheduled for July 26th.
Historic center of Santa Fiora (GR): Piazza Garibaldi, Pieve Church, and Peschiera Park, on Mount Amiata in the Maremma region.
By car: Santa Fiora can be reached from the SS2 Cassia road by taking the turnoff toward Mount Amiata; about 1 hour from Grosseto. By train: Grosseto station, then bus to the Amiata area. Nearest airports: Florence and Rome.
Performances, the pageant, and the competition are free to attend. The medieval dinner requires payment and reservations; the fire show usually involves a small entry fee.
Booking in advance is necessary for the medieval dinner. Wear comfortable shoes for the village's uphill streets.
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Piazza Garibaldi e Parco della Peschiera
Piazza Garibaldi, 58037 Santa Fiora