Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics | Pisa

The 67th edition of the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics will take place in Pisa on Sunday 11 September, preceded by a sumptuous historical parade that is the central moment of the entire event. Through it, each Maritime Republic relives its glorious past, proposing episodes and characters that marked its history.

The Regatta (or Palio delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare) was established in 1955 to commemorate the exploits and rivalry of the four Italian Maritime Republics: Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice. The regatta takes place every year on a day between the end of May and the beginning of July, and is hosted in rotation between these cities.

On Sunday 11 September, the rowing challenge on the Arno over the distance of two thousand metres between the four crews is scheduled (5.30 p.m.) with departure from the Aurelia Bridge and arrival at the Scalo dei Renaioli. The event will be preceded by the Historical Procession, during which the participants will parade along Lungarno Galilei and Lungarno Mediceo, recalling moments and characters from the history of each Republic. Departure at 4.00 p.m. from the Giardino Scotto on Lungarno Galilei

Each boat is recognisable by the colours with which it is painted and by the figureheads, i.e. the wooden sculptures (made of fibreglass) on the prow depicting the animal symbol of each city. The Amalfi boat is identified by its blue colour and winged horse, Genoa’s is white with a dragon (symbolising St George, the city’s patron saint), Pisa’s is red with an eagle (symbolising the ancient link between the Republic of Pisa and the Holy Roman Empire) and Venice’s is green with a winged lion (symbolising St Mark the Evangelist, the city’s patron saint).

The Regatta takes place over a 2 km long course, which differs depending on the location. In Pisa it takes place along the river Arno, while in other cities it takes place at sea or in the lagoon.

The winning city of the Regatta receives a gold and silver trophy, representing a galleTranslated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)on supported by four hippocampi, under which appear the coats of arms of the four Maritime Republics. The winner holds it for one year, until the next edition.

Programme at page