Torneo dei Quartieri
The crossbow challenge between the four districts of Gubbio on the night of Ferragosto
About Torneo dei Quartieri
The night of Ferragosto in Piazza Grande
The Torneo dei Quartieri is one of Gubbio's most beloved historical reenactments. Every August 14th, on the eve of Ferragosto, the city's four historic districts - Sant'Andrea, San Giuliano, San Martino, and San Pietro - face off in a competition of ancient Italian crossbow shooting in the scenic Piazza Grande, one of Italy's most beautiful hanging squares.
Historical parades and flag-wavers
The day opens with the imposing historical parade: figures in medieval costume start from the districts' squares and march through the city streets to Piazza Grande. After the evocative Sonata del Campanone, the tournament gets underway with the challenge between the crossbowmen, enhanced by the performance of the Flag-wavers of Gubbio. In the preceding days, each district organizes celebrations with tastings, games, and music.
An Eugubinian tradition
Organized by the Associazione Maggio Eugubino in collaboration with the district associations, the Società Balestrieri, and the Flag-wavers of Gubbio, the Torneo dei Quartieri is a historical event of the city of the Ceri, in the province of Perugia, which attracts reenactment enthusiasts and tourists from all over Umbria every year.
Torneo dei Quartieri — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Torneo dei Quartieri takes place on August 14th, on the night preceding Ferragosto, in the splendid Piazza Grande of Gubbio. The districts Sant'Andrea, San Giuliano, San Martino, and San Pietro compete for the Palio with the ancient Italian crossbow, in a race that is also a challenge between the historical parades for the best reenactment.
The event is organized by the Associazione Maggio Eugubino with the district associations, the Società Balestrieri, and the Flag-wavers of Gubbio, under the patronage of the Municipality.
Programme Torneo dei Quartieri 2026
August 14, 2026 - program
- 6:00 PM — Historical parade through the city center, starting from the districts' squares
- 7:30 PM — Parade enters Piazza Grande, Sonata del Campanone and start of the tournament
- Ancient Italian crossbow shooting competition between the four districts
- Performance by the Flag-wavers of Gubbio
- Following this, dinners and celebrations in the districts
In the preceding days, each district organizes medieval-style tastings, games, and music.
Highlights Torneo dei Quartieri 2026
Prices Torneo dei Quartieri 2026
Practical information — Torneo dei Quartieri
How to get there
Piazza Grande is located in the heart of Gubbio's historic center. The city is reachable by car from the E45 (Mocaiana exit) and by bus from the main Umbrian cities. In August, it is advisable to use the external parking lots and reach the center on foot or by cable car/city lifts.
Admission
Access to the event in Piazza Grande is free. Information at maggioeugubino.it and balestrierigubbio.com.
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Where does it take place — Torneo dei Quartieri
Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande, 06024 Gubbio