Saracen Joust in Arezzo Helpful Information

On 2 days a year Arezzo history is brought to life with a truly competitive Middle Ages Joust called the Giostro del Saracino. Here Knights will compete to win respect and the Golden Lance for their Quartieri.

The knights head at full speed for the Saracen attmepting to hit the shield with their lance. On impact the Saracen spins around and tries to whip the knight with three balls of lead covered with leather.

The knight wants to score as much as he can and different points are assigned according to the impact spot. Points can be deducted in case of accidents like falling from the horse, losing the lance, riding too slowly, being hit by the mazzafrusto. The score is doubled if the knight breaks the spear on impact and the knight who touches the Saracen in any spot outside the shield is banned for life.