The “Historic Football”
Calcio Storico Fiorentino is Florence at its most intense: part sport, part ritual, part civic theatre. It is played in Piazza Santa Croce and belongs to the city’s June traditions, with a strong historical memory behind it, famously linked to the match played during the 1530 siege of Florence, when a game became a statement of identity and defiance.
At a glance
- Drive time from Villa Vianci: 66 min
- Best for: tradition lovers, first-timers, adults and older kids
- Time needed: half day, best if you arrive well before the match
- Booking tip: tickets are limited, check the official calendar and ticket release as early as possible
- Highlight: the Corteo Storico, the sanded arena in Piazza Santa Croce, and the city’s quarter pride in full colour
What to experience
Treat Calcio Storico as a sequence, not just a kick-off. Arrive early enough to feel how Florence sets the stage: Piazza Santa Croce becomes an arena, the stands close the space into a civic theatre, and the crowd’s energy builds in a way that feels more like a festival rite than a modern match.
The game’s internal logic is quarter identity. Four historic teams represent the old districts, and even if you do not know the rules, the meaning is immediate: colour, belonging, banners, drums, and the sense that this is Florence speaking to itself with visitors invited to witness.
If you can, include the ceremonial frame. The day is traditionally accompanied by a historic parade and performances that make the match read as part of the city’s official June celebrations, not as a show invented for tourists.
Practical notes
This is a full-contact historic game, and the atmosphere can be loud and physical. With children it can be thrilling, but it is not a gentle parade, so choose seats and timing with care.
June in Florence can mean heat and strong light. Water, a hat, and patience genuinely improve the day. On match days, the centre is crowded and access rules can change, so the best habit is simple: plan early, confirm entry rules, and keep the rest of the day light.
When
The tournament is traditionally held in June, with two semi-finals in mid June and the final on 24 June, the day connected to Florence’s patron celebrations.
As an example from the official city calendar, one recent edition lists semi-finals on 14 June and 15 June, and the final on 24 June, with matches scheduled at 18:00 in Piazza Santa Croce.
Because dates, times, and ticket release details can vary year by year, check the official programme as soon as it is published for the season you are travelling in.
