Experience Florence’s more blood thirsty side at the Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2015

With the weather becoming warmer and the weeks flying by, many of us are thinking ahead to the summer months and are planning our 2015 holiday. For those seeking culture, history, and the bustling memorable vibe of a vibrant city, Florence in Tuscany comes highly recommended. To discover Florence at its most intriguing, why not visit the city in June when the Calcio Storico Fiorentino takes place?

The what, you might cry?

The Calcio Storico Fiorentino combines rugby, football and wrestling, in one fast-paced, masculine scrabble of a Gladiator-come-soccer-type contest!

The game originated in the 16th century. It involves four teams from the different neighbourhoods of Florence battling it out to be crowned Calcio Storico Fiorentino champion.

The contest comprises of an initial heat of which the two winners then proceed to the semi-final where only one team can pick up the winning glory. This enthralling contest has always taken place in the Piazza Santa Croce, one of the main square in Florence’s historic centre. Much care is taken in turning the Piazza Santa Croce into its former 16th century roots of dirt and dust to recreate an authentic setting.

The players are all dressed in ancient costumes to resonant the game as it was played five centuries ago. It was in 1580 when a count from Florence called Giovanni de Bardi published the rules of Calcio Storico Fiorentino. Similar to ‘Harpastum’, which was played by the Romans, the game involves the use of both hands and feet. Goals are scored by throwing a ball over a designated spot from the edge of the playing field.

Each match lasts for 50 minutes and the winner is the team with the most ‘cacces’ or points scored. Apart from that, this ancient game doesn’t have many rules.

The game was originally played by wealthy aristocrats, with a match taking place each evening between Epiphany and Lent.

If you want to witness a Gladiator-type game in which Italian ‘blood brothers’ play for their women and their neighbourhood, head to the Piazza Santa Croce in Florence this June.

For more information on this blood-thirsty Italian game visit the official Calcio Storico Fiorentino website at http://www.calciostoricofiorentino.it/en/.