See a 'strange sporting spectacle' on a Tuscany holiday

For those who like their sport to resemble that of the gladiators of Rome, then this could be the ideal show for holiday makers renting a villa in Tuscany.

The event is adorned with 500-years-worth of history and can be traced back to 1530, according to 2camels.com.

Re-introduced in the 1930s, players at the Calcio Storico reportedly dress in "authentic period costume" and walk through the centre of Florence before the battle commences for 50 minutes, with a pile of steaks awaiting the winners.

"So amid a colourful display of period costume, blood and team coloured smoke bombs the battle unfolds in front of thousands of cheering locals and tourists in Florence for the spectacle," the site says.

For holiday makers eager to watch the unique sporting display, the town of Vinci is just a short drive from Florence and can be found in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

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