Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics | Pisa

The 71st edition of the Regatta of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics (Venice, Genoa, Amalfi and Pisa) takes place in Pisa on 2 June, preceded by a magnificent historical parade which forms the highlight of the event.

From 13.00 to 19.00 (at Palazzo Gambacorti) postmark cancellation on two postcards, one reproducing the first promotional poster from 1956 and the other featuring the poster for the 71st edition.

15.15 (River Arno) Women’s Regatta.
Starting from Ponte Solferino and finishing at Scalo Renaioli.

3.45 pm (Lungarni) Start of the historical procession for the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics. The procession starts from Lungarno Fibonacci and proceeds along Ponte della Fortezza, Lungarno Mediceo, Ponte di Mezzo and Lungarno Galilei to Scalo Renaioli.

5.30 pm (River Arno) Men’s Regatta. Starts at Ponte sull’Aurelia and finishes at Scalo Renaioli.
Followed by (at Giardino Scotto) the prize-giving ceremony for the crews.

The Regatta timings are subject to change depending on the availability of the live RAI broadcast and any changes will be announced.

On that day the rowing challenge on the Arno over the distance of 2000 metres between the four crews is scheduled 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.

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 receives a gold and silver trophy, representing a galleon supported by four hippocampi, under which the coats of arms of the four Maritime Republics. The winner holds it for one year, until next edition.

Programme at page