The re-enactment on 10 July 1500 commemorates a pivotal date in the glorious history of the Second Pisan Republic (1494–1509), the day on which the French army, exasperated and defeated, lifted the siege it had laid on behalf of the Florentines beneath the walls of Pisa, stretching from Porta alle Piagge to Porta Calcesana.

The siege, which began on 29 June, witnessed acts of the utmost heroism by the men and women of Pisa as they stood up to one of the most feared and well-organised armies in Europe.

The French army was thus defeated by a city that appeared to be on its knees, and returned home in disgrace after having arrived beneath the walls of Pisa in a spirit of bravado, certain of a swift and easy victory.

PROGRAMME

12 P.M. – laying of a laurel wreath at the walls by the city authorities, in the presence of the City Standard and Valletti in historical costume;

6.30-10 P.M.– tours of the walls with narration of the most significant episodes from the days of the siege;

9 P.M. – the ‘TORNEO DELLE MAGISTRATURE’ competition of the Gioco del Ponte.