The last Sunday in May: “Palio della Balestra” (Crossbow Competition)

This competition of arms dates back to medieval times, and  it is celebrated with the sound of trumpets and flag twirlers, in the magnificent “Piazza Grande” (big square) between the Gubbio crossbowmen and Sansepolcro crossbowmen.

It has been documented to date back to the end of the XIV century  and consists of  aiming towards the “tasso”,  a target positioned at a distance of 36 meters, launching an arrow with the ancient  fixed crossbow.

At the end of the event, a historic procession continues through the streets of the city centre. The Crossbow Competition  is repeated on the second Sunday of September in  Sansepolcro.