Anno Domini MMXXVI
Città della Pieve Umbria
For two weeks in August, Città della Pieve returns to the Renaissance. The alleys fill with banners and drapes, the squares with chants, drums echo through the city and the three terzieri compete once again — just as in the days of the Perugino.
— Since 1973 —
Supported by Main Sponsor
Three historic districts, three identities, three intertwined fates. Since the Middle Ages, the terzieri of Città della Pieve have shaped the civic and religious life of the community, and today they come alive in the splendour of the Palio. Each carries its own colours, coat of arms and tavern.
The Terzieri
The first of the three Terzieri to be re-established, in 1964. It occupies the south-western part of the city, historically home to the aristocratic knights. Its colours are green and black; its patron is Saint Roch (San Rocco), celebrated on 16 August.
The Terzieri
Founded in 1965, tied to the Confraternity of Santa Maria dei Bianchi. Its colours — white, red and blue — are taken from the Confraternity. Patron: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (San Luigi Gonzaga), celebrated in June with the extraordinary Infiorata.
The Terzieri
Officially founded on 29 June 1977, the youngest of the three Terzieri. The Drappo is the work of the local master Antonio Marroni. Its patron is the Blessed Giacomo Villa, called "the Almsgiver", celebrated on the second-to-last Sunday of September.
Three archers per terziere, three arrows each, three rounds of increasing speed. Silhouettes of Chianina bulls at 33 metres distance. Nine arrows per terziere, nine fates.
The final score decides who will receive the Drappo from the hands of the Podestà — a banner created by the local master Antonio Marroni, kept until the next challenge.
An eight-century-long story — from simple administrative subdivisions of the medieval Commune to a Renaissance contest in modern times. Three milestones that trace the evolution of the terzieri of Città della Pieve, from the era of the medieval communes to the modern re-enactment instituted in 1973.
The terzieri emerge as administrative divisions of Città della Pieve during the era of the medieval Communes: Borgo Dentro, Casalino and Castello.
First edition of the Palio dei Terzieri: Castello and Casalino challenge each other in the archery contest, giving birth to the modern re-enactment.
The triad of terzieri as we know it today is formed: Castello, Casalino and Borgo Dentro compete for the Drappo. Over 1,000 performers fill the city every August.
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During the Palio days, each terziere opens its tavern with Umbrian traditional dishes and Renaissance recipes, creating a convivial atmosphere in the festively decorated alleys.
The robust flavours of Castello, the nobility of Casalino, the rural authenticity of Borgo Dentro: three identities at the table.
Discover the Taverns
Taverna del Castello
"Gnocchi del Priore" in the cellars of Palazzo della Corgna.
Taverna del Barbacane
"Lumache alla Barbacane" beneath the Bishop's Tower.
Taverna della Rocca
In Via Roma 29, open since 1977.
