The month of June is characterized especially by the celebration of Saint Ranieri and some of the most awaited festivals by citizens and tourists. Among these, we suggest you the Battle of the bridge , which is scheduled, usually, on the last Saturday of June.
The event develops in two single moments: the historical parade along Lungarnos, composed by players and the battle on the bridge Ponte di Mezzo, a proof of physical strength and loyalty to the city. In the battle β the main phase of the whole day β two troops compete and they represent the Magistrature , that are the Pisan districts , gathered either the Mezzogiorno or Tramontana , depending on their position south of Arno river for the first, north of Arno for the second.
The aim of the game is to conquer the side of the bridge occupied by the enemy through the position of an iron cart arranged on the bridge. This is one of the most emotional events in Pisa, dating back to years ago. That is another good reason to take part in the Battle of the bridge; take note of all details, the date is on the last Saturday of June on Ponte di Mezzo.
Stay at Hotel San Ranieri to take part in the suggestive game from the first moment. First, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, from on it has become the celebration of Saint Ranieri.
The regatta, born in the Middle Ages , is on the River Arno , after a parade in the city center. The boats start from the Ponte della ferrovia , to finish in front of the Palazzo Medici along the Lungarno Mediceo, the distance covered is meters. Every boat has 8 oarsmen, a steersman and a climber. The suggestive regatta β and the catch of the banner - recalls the ancient exploit at Lepanto, when the fleet of the Knights of Saint Stephen boarded the Turkish flagship and stole the Muslim fight banner waving on the mast.
