Calcio Storico Fiorentino, often referred to simply as “Calcio Storico” or “Historic Florentine Football,” is one of Florence’s oldest and most fascinating traditions.
Combining soccer, rugby, and wrestling, it’s a fierce and thrilling game that showcases the city’s history, pride, and resilience.
This sport has become a cherished part of Florence’s culture, rooted in ancient Roman traditions, and celebrated annually with grand parades and intense matches in Piazza Santa Croce.
Let’s go back and explore its history.
- Calcio Storico Fiorentino is a centuries-old sport from Florence that combines soccer, rugby, and wrestling, with its rules first written in 1580.
- The game symbolized the city’s spirit when Florentines played it during the 1530 siege to mock their enemies.
- Four teams representing Florence’s historic districts compete in this rough and exciting game, played in Piazza Santa Croce every year.
The Origins of Calcio Storico
The history of Calcio Storico Fiorentino can be traced back to ancient Roman times.
It evolved from a game called harpastum, played by Roman gladiators as part of their physical training.
The sport gained popularity in Florence during the Middle Ages, where it became a favorite pastime for the city’s elite.
By the Renaissance, it had developed into an organized sport with formal rules.
The first official documentation of Calcio Storico comes from the late 15th century.
By the 16th century, it had become a celebrated event among Florence’s aristocracy.
Giovanni de’ Bardi, a Florentine nobleman, published the official rules in 1580, defining how the game would be played.
The Setting and Rules of the Game
The traditional home of Calcio Storico is Piazza Santa Croce, located in front of the historic Basilica of Santa Croce.
During matches, the square is covered with sand to recreate the game’s original setting.
Today, bleachers are installed to accommodate spectators, but historically, games were watched by crowds gathering around the square.
The sport is played on a rectangular field, with the goal running the width of the shorter ends.
Each team consists of 27 players and the game lasts 50 minutes with no breaks or substitutions allowed.
The objective is to score “cacce” by getting the ball into the opponent’s net.
But if the ball overshoots the goal, the opposing team is awarded half a point.
Players can use their feet and hands to pass, carry, or kick the ball.
Physical confrontations are a key feature of the game, and players can engage in one-on-one fights to block opponents.
Despite the sport’s violent nature, rules are enforced by a main referee, six linesmen, and a field master.
A Game of Tradition and Rivalry
The game is a fierce competition between Florence’s four historic districts, each represented by a team:
- Santa Croce (Azzurri/Blues)
- Santo Spirito (Bianchi/Whites)
- Santa Maria Novella (Rossi/Reds)
- San Giovanni (Verdi/Greens)
The rivalry between the districts is intense and extends beyond the field.
Each team is deeply connected to its neighborhood’s identity, and the games are as much about civic pride as athletic competition.
The Renaissance Aristocracy and the Game’s Early Days
Originally, Calcio Storico was a game for the aristocracy.
Matches were played between Epiphany and Lent, with teams composed of wealthy noblemen.
The sport was highly organized and served as a form of entertainment during social gatherings.
In 1530, during the siege of Florence by Emperor Charles V, the game gained legendary status.
Although they were under siege, the Florentines boldly organized a match in Piazza Santa Croce to mock the enemy and show their resilience.
The Decline and Revival of Calcio Storico
The popularity of Calcio Storico waned in the 18th century, with the last documented match taking place in 1739.
For nearly two centuries, the tradition lay dormant, only to be revived in 1930 as part of the 400th anniversary celebration of the Partita dell’Assedio (Match of the Siege).
Since its revival, Calcio Storico has become a cherished annual event. Matches are played in June to honor Florence’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist.
While the sport has undergone some modern adaptations, its core remains true to its historical roots.
The Procession and Ceremony
A significant part of Calcio Storico’s appeal lies in its pageantry.
Each match is preceded by a grand historical parade featuring participants dressed in 16th-century costumes.
The procession starts at Piazza Santa Maria Novella, winds through Florence’s city center, and concludes at Piazza Santa Croce.
The parade is a spectacular display of Florence’s Renaissance heritage, with vibrant costumes, traditional music, and ceremonial performances.
The games also begin with the Saluto alla Voce (Salute to the Voice), a ritual involving drumrolls and commands.
The ceremony channels Florence’s military roots and sets the mood for the fierce battles ahead.
Calcio Storico in Today’s Florence
Today, Calcio Storico is a proud symbol of Florence’s long history and culture.
While the game’s intense and physical nature has been compared to sports like rugby and American football, Calcio Storico is truly unique.
It combines athletic skill, old traditions, and a strong sense of community.
This historic game draws people from all over the world to Florence.
For many, it is not just about the competition but also about celebrating the city’s character and history.
Calcio Storico reminds everyone of Florence’s strength, creativity, and deep connection to its past.
