News
Costumed football fighting in Florence
26 May 2006
A cross between football, rugby and wrestling comes to Florence this summer in a tournament that dates back to the 15th century.
In Florence's Piazza Santa Croce, four teams of 27 men take part in the Calcio Storico with crowds lining the square and cheering on the players dressed in medieval costumes as they play a mix of football and fighting.
The games start on June 24, coinciding with the Feast of St John - the patron saint of Florence - and last until the beginning of July and bring the history of Florence alive.
Calcio Storico dates back to 1530 when the city was under siege. The townsfolk held the match as a way of provoking the enemy into action and as a sign of contempt, although the sport itself dates back to Roman times.
The scoring system can be quite complicated because missing the goal results in the defending team gaining a point, so the best way to enjoy the games is to choose a team and cheer along with the locals.
© Adfero Ltd
In Florence's Piazza Santa Croce, four teams of 27 men take part in the Calcio Storico with crowds lining the square and cheering on the players dressed in medieval costumes as they play a mix of football and fighting.
The games start on June 24, coinciding with the Feast of St John - the patron saint of Florence - and last until the beginning of July and bring the history of Florence alive.
Calcio Storico dates back to 1530 when the city was under siege. The townsfolk held the match as a way of provoking the enemy into action and as a sign of contempt, although the sport itself dates back to Roman times.
The scoring system can be quite complicated because missing the goal results in the defending team gaining a point, so the best way to enjoy the games is to choose a team and cheer along with the locals.
© Adfero Ltd
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