Gioco del Ponte or ‘the battle of the bridge’ is a mock battle organized over the Ponte di Mezzo (bridge) in Pisa, Italy.
Do you know: The first battle was held over the bridge in 1568 to gain control over the bridge.
The Gioco del Ponte in its original form was considered violent and hence banned only to be revived after World War-I. In present times, the custom is carried out in June. Two opposing teams with participants dressed in beautiful 16th century, Spanish style military attire try to push a cart weighing tons, on rails over the bridge. Three different parades follow the battle.
