Pisa celebrates 40 years of the Italian Crossbow Shooting League. On Sunday, October 18th, in Piazza del Duomo, the ancient bench crossbow tournament will bring together the companies of Iglesias, Montefalco, and Pisa.
The history and tradition of the ancient crossbow return to the forefront in Piazza del Duomo with the VI Umberto Moschini Trophy, scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026, in the evocative setting between the Baptistery and the Urban Walls.
The program will begin at 3:00 pm with the historical procession through Piazza del Duomo. Next, there will be the competition to shoot the ancient bench crossbow: an initial test on a flat target will decide the winning team, while the subsequent test on a conical target will award the individual title.
This year's edition will have a particular significance: October 18th marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of LITAB. (Italian Crossbow Shooting League), established on 18 October 1986 by the Crossbow Companies of Pisa, Assisi and Terra del Sole. Four decades of history dedicated to the protection and promotion of crossbow shooting, a discipline that continues to pass down a heritage of traditions, skills, and ties between Italian companies. The anniversary will be celebrated as part of the tournament organized by the Compagnia Balestrieri of Pisa, in collaboration with the Municipality of Pisa and the Opera della Primaziale Pisana, with the patronage of the Tuscany Region and the Province of Pisa.
The event is dedicated to the memory of Cav. Umberto Moschini, who passed away on March 17, 2021, is a key figure in the Pisan and national crossbow tradition. Among the founders of the Compagnia Balestrieri of Pisa, he was its president from 1977 to 2008 and honorary president from 2010. He also contributed to the birth of LITAB, of which he was president and later honorary president.
Making the event even more significant will be the participation of the Iglesias Crossbowmen Company, which will represent the Sardinian city twinned with Pisa. A presence that emphasizes the value of the friendly relations between the two cities, united by the sharing of traditions and cultural initiatives. Along with the hosts and the Sardinian company, the Compagnia Balestrieri di Montefalco will also take part in the competition.
The Umberto Moschini Trophy thus confirms itself as an opportunity to promote a discipline rooted in the history of cities and their communities. This year, the sporting competition will be joined by the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of LITAB, in memory of those who promoted its birth and supported its growth.
An event that combines memory, tradition, and friendship, bringing back to the monumental heart of Pisa the spirit of the ancient crossbow and the companies that have guarded its heritage for generations.
