The "Calcio Storico" ( or "Calcio in Costume" ) in Florence
The matches are held in Piazza Santa Croce, a large rectangular square surrounded by the Florentine apartments and palaces that stand at the back of Palazzo Vecchio and in front of the homonymous basilica built between the 13th and 14th centuries.
As the English historian John Foot says in his book on Italian football, each match involves two teams and six judges. The players can move the ball both with their hands and feet, but they cannot throw it. Points are scored when the ball crosses the line at the end of the field.
Although we still do not know much about the origin of this particular "sport", it is certain that the scions of the most important Florentine families practiced it until the early 18th century. The list of "calcianti" includes Giulio de` Medici, who was to become Pope Clement VII, and other two popes-to-be (Leo XI and Urban VIII) as well as Cosimo de` Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany.
It will a wonderful experience to watch a match between the Bianchi (or White) and the Verdi (or Green), the Rossi (or Red) and the Azzurri (or Blue) teams - which represent the four Florentine historic districts - from the balcony of you holiday apartment in Florence.
Our most requested apartments in the Florence historical centre:
Elegant apartment in Florence historical centre situated in a 17th-century building in the Oltrarno district, just a few steps from Piazza Santo Spirito and Ponte Vecchio. Air conditioning, Internet connection, parking. From 2 to 7 sleeping accommodations.
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Apartment 100 metres from Piazza del Duomo, in the centre of Florence. 2+2 beds, silent and full of light, large furnished panoramic terrace. Internet connection.
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Bright apartment in San Lorenzo district, in Florence historical centre, close to Santa Maria Novella railway station. 2/4 sleeping accommodations, wonderful view on the Cappelle Medicee, air conditioning, Internet.
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Luxury holiday apartment in Florence historical centre, in the Oltrarno district. 2/4 sleeping accommodations, Internet connection, panoramic terrace.
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