It is a traditional festival based on a medieval game and takes place twice a year: regularly on the 4th Sunday of May, and on 14 August.
Its origins date back to the XIV-XV centuries, when Massa Marittima was a Free and Independent City.
It is a crossbow competition among the three Terzieri (or medieval neighborhoods) of Massa Marittima: Cittanuova (literally New Town), Cittavecchia (Old Town) and Borgo. It takes place in Piazza Garibaldi, just in front of the Cathedral.
The festival consists of three different moments: it starts with a parade, with over 150 people concentrating into Piazza Garibaldi showing their medieval costumes; then the flag wavers begin their show and finally the crossbow game begins.
Tickets for the tribune
PRESALES at the Tourism Office of Massa Marittima (move down the stairs on Piazza Garibaldi on the right hand side of the Archeaological Museum)
Thursday 08 August – Tuesday 13 August: 10h-13h / 16h-19h
Wednesday, 14 August 10h-13h / 16h – ca. 18h
PRESALES continue on Wednesday from 20:00 (if tickets for the tribunes are still available) in Via Ximenes on Piazza Garibaldi (near the statue with the wolf).
Prices are: € 18 (Balestro in August) €15 (Balestro in June)
Reduced tickets for children (until 12 years): €11
Please note that all reserved tickets have to picked up by Wednesday 14/08 18:00 at the latest at the tourism office. Tickets that have not been picked up will be sold to the public in Via Ximenes from Wednesday 14/08 20:00.
Tickets to access the event / Piazza Garibaldi
Sales only at the ticketshops in Piazza Garibaldi on the date of the event. The ticketshops will open at around 15:00 (for the event in May) and around 20:00 (14 August).
With these standing tickets you will be able to access the Piazza Garibaldi and sit on the Cathedral stairway. No reserved places.
Ticketprice € 8
free for children until 12 y.o.
