Introduction
The Società Balestrieri di Sansepolcro is an ancient association whose roots go back to Renaissance Tuscany; since the 15th century without interruption it has continued the tradition of the Palio della Balestra ®, a unique dispute between the crossbowmen of Sansepolcro and their friends/rivals from the town of Gubbio.
The Società Balestrieri in the world
The Balestrieri Association can organise reenactments of Renaissance events in towns all over the world, with historical processions consisting of soldiers, noblemen and ladies, music groups with clarions and drums, flag-throwers and the awe-inspiring team of crossbowmen, who recreate the authentic splendour and atmosphere of Renaissance Tuscany.
Our exhibition is flexible in terms of timing, and can be adapted to any setting; we can travel to any location and prepare a safe, regulated shooting area in a short time.
The Captain of Arms
The Corps of Musicians: clarions
The Corps of Musicians: drummers
Ladies of the Renaissance Court, in costumes inspired by Piero della Francesca
Crossbowmen
The Società Balestrieri lined up in Piazza Torre di Berta in Sansepolcro, before the Palio della Balestra ®
Duke Federico da Montefeltro
A Madonna by Piero della Francesca
City father in the historical procession of the Società Balestrieri
Crossbowmen shooting; the "corniolo" (target, ed.) is 36 metres away
Concentration prior to the shot
The corniolo pierced by arrows; by the end of the Palio there will be over ninety.
The Masters of Arms of the two crossbowmen's associations bring the target for inspection before removing the arrows
The corniolo carried in triumph
The Renaissance procession forms up to march through the historic centre of Sansepolcro in honour of the winner.