Palio of the Ancient Maritime Republics 2025 in Amalfi
On 16, 17 and 18 May 2025 the town of Amalfi will host the 70th edition of the Palio delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare (or Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics), a sporting event inspired by a historical re-enactment, established in 1955, with the aim of celebrating the exploits and rivalry of the glorious Italian maritime republics: Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice.
The programme includes meetings, side events, dedicated happenings, exhibitions, concerts, historical re-enactments and guided tours. But the highlight is the rowing challenge (scheduled for 18 May) between the four crews representing each of the republics. The course is 2000 metres in a row. In Amalfi, the regatta starts at the Capo di Vettica, near a promontory on which a 16th century viceroyal tower stands, and ends in front of the Marina Grande and the suggestive backdrop of Monte Aureo, with the Torre dello Ziro, the former monastery of S. Lorenzo del Piano, the Capo di Croce district, the former convent and the tower of S. Francesco.
The race is carried out using galleons, reconstructed on 12th century models and painted in the traditional colours of the four maritime cities: Amalfi blue, Genoa white, Pisa red and Venice green. In addition to the colours, a particular feature of these vessels is the figurehead, a prow appendage reminiscent of the city’s insignia: Amalfi uses a winged horse, which, together with the siren, was one of the main motifs used on the figureheads of medieval galleys; Genoa has the dragon recalling its protector St. George; Pisa displays the eagle, the eagle of the sea. Giorgio; Pisa shows the imperial Germanic eagle in memory of the faithful collaboration offered to the Swabian and Ghibelline cause by the Tuscan republic; Venice has the lion of St. Mark as a symbol of its patron saint. In the roll of honour, Venice is clearly first with 34 successes, followed by Amalfi and Genoa tied with 13 and Pisa with 8.
The regatta is preceded by a historical procession that aims to revive the glorious past of the republics. Each town is engaged with about 80 participants in period costumes who dress up as the ancient characters that characterised each republic. Amalfi’s historical procession depicts the society of the Campania republic at the beginning of the 11th century, when it reached its peak. The episode depicted is that of the marriage between Giovanni I, son and co-ruler of Duke Mansone I, and the Salerno noblewoman Regale; the marriage marked the young scion’s coming of age and entry into the political world.
Featured Photo © Municipality of Amalfi
