Calcio Storico

Calcio Storico or Calcio Fiorentino is a mixed form of rugby, soccer and wrestling that is played in Piazza Santa Croce in Florence.  The players dress in historic costumes and make up 4 teams, Santa Maria Novella- Red, Santo Spirito- White, Santa Croce-Blue and San Giovanni Green.

Calcio Storico takes place in June every year.  The winners of the semifinals always play the final match on June 24th, which is the feast day of Florence’s Patron St. John the Baptist.

Here is a video explaining the history of the sport and some footage of it being played.

Video from youtube

Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life

– Anna Akhmatova