Disfida degli Arcieri di Terra e Corte

In Fivizzano, a fascinating historical reenactment has been held in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II (commonly known as the Medicea) since 1971, including a parade featuring more than 400 paraders in costume, with archers, flag-throwers, musicians, dames, commoners, jesters, sword companies, fire artists and ancient crafters taking turns performing in a Renaissance atmosphere. 

In the year 1572, a tussle took place in the piazza between the best archers of Terra, being a town within the city walls, and Corte, the surrounding area and the contado (or, county) of Guardia, Verrucola, Fittadisio and Montechiaro. The purpose was to select the best soldiers who would follow the Captain hailing from Florence. Torello da Turano never missed a shot at the wooden target, proving decisive in the victory of the Verrucola district during the first Disfida, held on August 6, as reported in the writings Friar Tommaso da Fivizzano of the Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine.

Inspired by this document, Pro Loco and Accademia degli Imperfetti decided back in 1971 to revive this thrilling competition between the various districts, awarding a prize to the winner. Since then, the Disfida degli Arcieri di Terra e Corte has taken place each July, on the Sunday of the “Beata Vergine dell’Adorazione” (“Blessed Virgin of Adoration”), better known as Madonna di Reggio, during which the bishop blesses the Palio, the work of a local artist. 

Celebrations begin with the presentation of weapons to the Captain who, having taken an oath, assigns the archers’ firing order. The competition is preceded by a parade of the historical procession. Five archers from each district compete against each other, five at a time, trying to hit targets placed almost 100 feet (30 meters) away with arrows shot from wooden bows based on models from the period. 

Program of the 2025 edition:

• July 11 and 12
  Renaissance Dinners and Shows 
• July 13
  Shoot-off between the Archers of Terra and Corte