News

 

Palio of San Donato 2026

The Palio di San Donato consisted of a contest between archers, crossbowmen, and later arquebusiers, representing the towns and other cities or castles. These events were complemented by foot and horse races, all set against a backdrop of lavish entertainment and attended by a large number of nobles and commoners. The competition featured competitors from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a large contingent from Udine, as well as representatives from Treviso, Venice, and Muggia. Seventy-nine participants entered the 1548 race. The horse races were held primarily on a course that wound from the bell tower of the Cathedral to the stone known as the race stone, beyond the town of Gagliano, a monument that still stands today. The winners received prizes of precious fabrics, and because of their value, the Palio was a highly coveted trophy. To ensure they were commensurate with the city's importance and prestige, no expense was spared: if necessary, they were purchased in Venice. In 1484, the municipal palio, displayed for crossbow shooting, was made of cloth; it could also be crimson damask, yellow damask, or other fabrics, always of the highest quality. The last-place finisher received the proverbial porcellina, or a sparrowhawk or a rooster. Since the year 2000, the centuries-old tradition of the Palio has been revived with great success in all its splendor.

• Go to the dedicated section
• Download the PDF poster with all the events