Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics
The rowing challenge between Pisa, Genoa, Amalfi, and Venice on the Arno River
About Maritime Republics Regatta
A challenge between four iconic maritime cities
The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is a historical re-enactment and rowing competition that brings together the four great Italian Maritime Republics: Pisa, Genoa, Amalfi, and Venice. Established in 1956 to celebrate the glorious seafaring past of these cities, the event is held annually on a rotating basis in one of the four host locations. When organized by Pisa, the race unfolds in the heart of the Municipality of Pisa, along the Arno River, providing a unique backdrop amidst the Lungarni and the historic bridges of the city center.
The galleons and the race on the Arno
The stars of the regatta are the four galleons, 15-meter replicas of 12th-century vessels, each manned by eight rowers and a coxswain. Every boat bears the colors and the figurehead of its respective city. The competition, covering approximately 2,000 meters on the Arno, includes both men's and women's races and concludes with an awards ceremony. The finish line is located at Scalo Renaioli, a prime spot to witness the final head-to-head sprint.
The historical pageant, the soul of the festival
The spectacular heart of the event is the historical pageant, featuring over 300 participants marching along the Lungarni in period-accurate costumes from the 11th to the 13th century. The Pisan procession is organized into thematic groups—political, military, social, economic, and maritime—bringing to life legendary figures from the city's history such as Kinzica de' Sismondi, Leonardo Fibonacci, Uguccione della Faggiola, and Ugolino della Gherardesca. It is a journey through time that recounts the grandeur of Pisa as a Mediterranean maritime power.
A national appointment
The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is held under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic and is broadcast live on Rai, underscoring its national significance. In Pisa, Tuscany, the event is often linked to the Republic Day calendar and local celebrations, drawing thousands of spectators to the banks of the Arno. For the public, it is a free opportunity to experience sport, history, and popular tradition in one of Italy's most evocative urban settings.
Maritime Republics Regatta — edition 2026
The 71st edition of the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics took place in Pisa in 2026, with the rowing race held on Tuesday, June 2, on the Arno River. The days celebrated the 900th anniversary of the 1126 pact between the Republics of Pisa and Amalfi, the theme of the opening roundtable. The event, under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, was broadcast live on Rai.
In the men's race, Venice triumphed ahead of Genoa, Pisa, and Amalfi, securing the historical lead with 35 total victories. In the women's race, victory went to Pisa, followed by Venice, Amalfi, and Genoa.
Programme Maritime Republics Regatta 2026
Monday, June 1 — Giardino Scotto (free entry)
- 16:00 — Roundtable "Pisa and Amalfi, a millennial friendship", for the 900th anniversary of the 1126 pact, with historians from the Pisan Historical Society, the Amalfi Center for Culture and History, and the University of Pisa (moderated by Stefano Gianfaldoni).
- 18:00 — Official presentation of the men's and women's crews of the four Republics: Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice.
- 22:15 — Jazz concert "Rotte Sonore Jazz per le Antiche Repubbliche Marinare" with the Quattro Repubbliche Marinare Italian Quintet (in case of bad weather, moved to the Gipsoteca).
Tuesday, June 2
- 11:00 — Auditorium of the Museum of Ancient Ships: meeting of the General Regatta Committee.
- 13:00-19:00 — Palazzo Gambacorti: philatelic cancellation on two postcards.
- 15:15 — Arno River: Women's Regatta (start from Ponte Solferino, finish at Scalo Renaioli).
- 15:45 — Lungarni: Historical pageant, from Lungarno Fibonacci through Ponte della Fortezza, Lungarno Mediceo, Ponte di Mezzo, and Lungarno Galilei to Scalo Renaioli.
- 17:30 — Arno River: Men's Regatta (start from the Aurelia bridge, finish at Scalo Renaioli).
- Following — Giardino Scotto: awards ceremony for the crews.
Highlights Maritime Republics Regatta 2026
Prices Maritime Republics Regatta 2026
Practical information — Maritime Republics Regatta
Location
The regatta and the historical pageant take place along the Arno River and the Lungarni in the historic center of Pisa (Province of Pisa, Tuscany), with the finish line at Scalo Renaioli.
How to get there
By train: Pisa Centrale station is about 1.5 km from the Lungarni, which can be reached on foot. By car: due to traffic closures in the historic center during the event, we recommend using park-and-ride facilities and shuttle buses. By plane: Pisa San Giusto Airport is just a few minutes from the city center.
Admission
Viewing the regatta and the historical pageant from the Lungarni is free. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot along the riverbanks.
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Where does it take place — Maritime Republics Regatta
Lungarni e fiume Arno
Lungarni, 56126 Pisa