It was held for the first time in Pisa on July 1st, 1956.

The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics has been taking place for over 50 years in turn in the four participating towns - namely Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice - between the end of May and the beginning of June. And every year this spectacular event attracts many tourists, both from Italy and from abroad.

It is a way to commemorate the rivalry between the four coastal towns that in the Middle Ages contended with each other for the supremacy in the Mediterranean Sea.

What are its rules?

Four boats, crewed with eight oarsmen and a cox participate in the two-kilometre rowing event. In Pisa the crews row upstream along the River Arno, from the Aurelia bridge up to the Prefecture. The colours and a symbol of the town it represents distinguish each boat: the Pisan boat is red and has an eagle on the fore; Amalfi`s one is blue and has a winged horse; Genoa`s boat is white and has a dragon; and the Venetian one is green and has a winged lion. The boat/town that breaks the tape first will hold the gold-and-silver trophy for the next year.

If you are planning your holidays, do not forget to take a look at the program of this spectacular regatta and discover where the next edition is going to take place.

If it is taking place in Tuscany, you can choose among the ads for vacation villas in Pisa for rent those that overlook the Arno. This way you will have the opportunity to watch the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics from a privileged point of view.