Rowers compete on the Arno in a Tuscany holiday

Taking place in June, the Palio di San Ranieri is a rowing race which takes place on the Arno River in Pisa.

But rather than being a simple rowing race, this traditional event is steeped in local history.

The four districts of the city compete against each other in the race and it can be quite competitive as local pride is put on the line.

Dressed in medieval costumes, the rowers take to the river for a piece of local glory.

The event comes from the Order of the Knights of Saint Steven and is just one of the sporting events that takes place in Tuscany over the summer.

Holiday makers on a Tuscany villa holiday will find that there are plenty of similar events that often involve medieval traditions and the four quarters of a town competing.

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