A thrilling atmosphere commemorates skills and bravery from the Crusades.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - August 8th, 2012 - In the late summer heat, Tuscany’s beautiful city of Arezzo sees an ancient tradition of competing mounted warriors, returning the location to a colourful, spectacular medieval age.

On September 2nd 2012, the grand central Piazza Giorgio Vasari will be decorated with enough banners and flags to rival the set of a Hollywood historical epic. The origins of the contest are unclear, but the city’s evocation of the distant past is unforgettable.

Arezzo’s four rival neighbourhoods are represented by elaborate pageants of archers and infantry, trumpeters, rabble-rousers and choreographed jostling, with each costumed team finally presenting their two ablest horsemen, their mounts in costume too.

In the dust and noise of thousands of thrilled spectators, the historic square echoes with the horses’ hooves as they charge from their corners, the riders aiming lances at a target held by the towering steel figure known as the ‘Saracen’.

If their aim is good, the Saracen rotates violently on impact, swinging a heavy flail in the rider’s direction, which requires care and good timing to avoid. The number of each team’s clean ‘hits’ counts towards their total, in pursuit of the coveted Golden Lance trophy.

Few places could assemble such a thrilling dramatic event, but Arezzo’s timeless beauty is ideally suited, with many ancient buildings and fabulous views across rural Tuscany.

The historic atmosphere, al fresco lifestyle of the city and the crowd’s ardent support of rival neighbourhood teams, makes an involving theatrical occasion feel completely natural.

Quality Villas Italy has a selection of high quality holiday accommodation in and around the town of Arezzo for anyone planning on experiencing the Giostra del Saracino.

Information about the Giostra del Saracino can be found at http://www.giostradelsaracino.arezzo.it/. More information about visiting the town of Arezzo in Tuscany is available on the official tourist website at http://arezzo.intoscana.it/. 

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