La Giostra del Saracino — Arezzo’s Medieval Jousting Festival
Want to time-travel to the Middle Ages, cheer on valiant knights, and be dazzled by pageantry?
Pack your bags and gallop to Arezzo’s Giostra del Saracino!
Experience the Timeless Tradition of Arezzo: The Exhilarating Giostra Del Saracino!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the medieval extravaganza at Arezzo’s Giostra del Saracino! This isn’t just a joust – it’s a time capsule to the age of knights, where you can cheer for your favorite champions as they clash at the Buratto target in a spectacle of chivalry and skill as they vie for the prize of the golden lance. Experience the rich traditions of Tuscany, revel in the pageantry, and be swept away by the spirit of the Renaissance. It’s not just a show; it’s a history lesson with a dash of adrenaline! Let’s gallop into history together!
2025 Matta Fall Joust Weekend 3-Day Program
DATES: Sept 6 — September 8, 2025
WHERE: Piazza Grande — Arezzo, Italy
Maximum 6 participants
Secure Your Place for the Autumn Joust with a $350 Deposit
PRICE: $950
Couples, Singles, English, and Italian Speakers All Welcome!
For more information, contact Melissa
Arezzo boasts valiant jousters, majestic horses, exquisite Tuscan cuisine, and the grandeur of medieval times – the only thing missing is YOU!
Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Tradition and Culture
A 3-Day, 2-Night Adventure in Arezzo
The 2024 Fall Weekend Joust Package Includes:
Accommodations: Choose between the charming ambiance of B&B Le Chimera*Antiche Mura* or the more modern comforts of Hotel Aretino*.
Walking Tour of Arezzo: Embark on a journey through time as you stroll the ancient streets of Arezzo, guided by tales of its rich history and breathtaking architecture.
Jousting Museum Tour: Dive into the world of medieval knights at the Jousting Museum located in the Civic Center, where history comes alive through captivating exhibits.
Joust Seminar with Spritzes: Enhance your understanding of this historic sport at an engaging seminar, complete with refreshing spritzes for a truly Italian experience.
Cena Propiziatoria Ticket: Be part of an enchanting evening in the Santo Spirito Neighborhood, where the Cena Propiziatoria brings the community together in anticipation of the joust.
Golden Lances Exhibition: Visit the Santo Spirito Museo for a guided tour showcasing the illustrious Golden Lances, symbols of honor and valor in the jousting world.
Joust Viewing in Piazza Grande: Secure your spot in Piazza Grande to witness the thrilling Joust in Piazza Grande, the heart of Arezzo’s historical and cultural celebration.
Celebratory Dinner: Conclude your journey with a Sunday evening dinner in the city center, celebrating the spirit of the joust and its victors, surrounded by the vibrant life of Arezzo.
*Accommodation choices are subject to availability.
2025 Accommodation Options for the Matta Fall Joust 3-Day Weekend:
Option 1:
B&B La Chimera
Style: Charming, Traditional, Family-Run
Location: Just off Piazza La Badia, near San Francesco and Tortello Divino, parallel to Piazza Grande.
Features: Historic building, private baths, reading room with fireplace, breakfast sala, internet, air-conditioning, hair dryers, mini-bar, fridge, guest washing machine.
Proximity: 10-minute walk to Cultura Italiana, near Sunflower Gelateria.
Additional Info: Arrangements for extra days can be made, paid directly to the B&B.
Option 2:
Hotel Aretino
Style: Contemporary, Functional, Sustainable
Location: Near the train station, 7-minute walk to Piazza Grande.
Features: Bar, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, business center, concierge, snack bar, varied breakfast options.
Proximity: 3-minute walk to Cultura Italiana, next to Cremeria Cecconi.
Additional Info: Arrangements for extra days can be made, paid directly to the B&B.
Extend the Magic: Learn Italian at Cultura Italiana Arezzo After the Fall Joust!
For extended stay packages, contact Melissa.
Cultura Italiana Arezzo, led by Paola Testi, is a prominent Italian language school located in Arezzo’s lively Santo Spirito Quartiere. Known for its immersive teaching approach, the school combines classroom learning with real-world experiences, allowing students to explore Italian culture deeply. Situated in a historically rich area, it offers a variety of courses tailored for an international audience, making it perfect for those seeking to learn Italian in a truly authentic setting.
2025 Matta Arezzo Fall Joust Weekend
Dates:
September 6 – 8, 2025
Reservation Information:
Availability is on a first-come-first-served basis.
A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of a $350 non-refundable deposit or full payment.
Reservations are open until July 1, 2025. Past this date, accommodations at La Chimera, Antiche Mura B&Bs or the Hotel Aretino cannot be guaranteed, although we will assist in finding alternative housing (note: prices may vary).
Payment Details:
The remaining balance of the trip fee is due by July 31, 2025, approximately 65 days before the start of the program.
The option to pay the total trip fee at the time of booking is available.
Travel Insurance:
For peace of mind and to protect your investment in the event of a personal emergency or significant life event preventing travel, we recommend considering travel insurance from providers like Travel Guard, AAA, or American Express.
Traveling to Italy in June 2025? You can also take part in Arezzo’s Jousting Festival during the June Matta Language Program!
The Giostra del Saracino occurs in Arezzo not once, but twice a year! In both June and September, the city bursts into life, adorned with colorful banners and swept up in Joust fever.
Embark on an Italian Adventure with Melissa and Paola Testi from Cultura Italiana Arezzo, June 14-27, 2025! Dive deep into Tuscany’s heart, improving your Italian while experiencing the thrilling June Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo. This intimate program blends language learning with cultural immersion, set against the backdrop of Arezzo’s stunning landscapes and traditions. Join a group of enthusiastic learners in a warm, engaging environment for an educationally rich and exhilarating journey through Italy’s cherished heritage, all in the picturesque setting of Tuscany
Arezzo Giostra del Saracino Experience Itinerary
Proposed Daily Activities (Beyond the Daily Gelato Tradition!)
Saturday, September 6: Arrival Day & Pre-Joust Festivities
- Participants Arrive: Check-in at the B&B in Arezzo.
- 4:30 PM – Walking Tour with Melissa: Begin at the base of Arezzo’s hill, ascending through historic streets, from Via del Corso to San Domenico, exploring key sights like Piazza Grande and the Duomo.
- 5:00 PM – Spritzes & Joust Seminar: In the Prato, Melissa offers an engaging seminar on the Joust, covering its history, the competing quartieri, the Golden Lance, and scoring details.
- 6:00 PM – Giostra Museum Visit: Explore the museum in the Comune to delve deeper into jousting history.
- 7:30 PM – Santo Spirito Joust Museum Tour: With Roberto Turchi, view the Golden Lances at the museum in Piazza San Jacopo.
- 8:00 PM – Cena Propiziatoria: Enjoy a communal dinner in Santo Spirito Quartiere, steeping in pre-joust anticipation.
Sunday, September 7: Giostra Day
- 7:00 AM – First Canon: The day begins.
- 10:30 AM – Coffee Meetup: Gather for coffee at a bar in Via del Corso.
- 10:45 AM – Herald Announcement: Assemble on the Duomo steps.
- 11:00 AM – Second Canon: Watch the Sfilata parade.
- 2:00 PM – Third Canon: Attend the Giostratori’s blessing in San Jacopo.
- 2:30 PM – Jouster Assembly: Move to the Duomo.
- 3:00 PM – Fourth Canon: Moments before the joust.
- 3:15 PM – Team Blessing: By the Bishop in front of the Duomo.
- 4:30 PM – Seating in Piazza Grande: Take seats for the joust.
- 5:00 PM – Fifth Canon: The main event begins.
- 8:00 PM – Winner’s Celebration: At the Duomo with the victorious team.
- 8:30 PM – Group Dinner: Conclude the day with dinner in Centro.
Monday, September 8: Departure
- Baci & Abbracci / Departures.
Please note: The timing and specifics of activities are subject to minor adjustments. A finalized schedule will be shared a month prior to the program’s start.
Getting to Arezzo
Arezzo, nestled between Rome and Florence, is easily accessible from both cities, making it a prime location for visitors coming from different parts of the world. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful Tuscan city:
Airports: Both Rome and Florence airports serve as convenient starting points for your journey to Arezzo. Upon landing, you have a variety of options to continue your journey.
Train Travel: Trains run hourly between Rome and Florence, with frequent connections to Arezzo. This reliable and scenic route offers a glimpse into the beautiful Italian countryside, making your travel experience enjoyable from the start.
Coordinated Transportation: Melissa offers the added convenience of organizing shared transportation from both Florence and Rome. Closer to the departure date, once all flight schedules are collected, she will arrange for shared group vans to transport participants directly to Arezzo. This not only eases the stress of travel arrangements but also provides an opportunity to meet fellow participants en route.
Return Journey: At the end of the program, Melissa will similarly coordinate shared transportation back to Florence and Rome. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free return, allowing you to reflect on your experiences in comfort.
Cost Consideration: Please note that whether opting for group or private transport to Arezzo in a hired van, this will be an additional, out-of-pocket expense. It’s advised to budget accordingly for this portion of your trip.
Planning your journey to Arezzo with these options in mind ensures a stress-free start to an unforgettable experience. With the details handled, you’re free to look forward to exploring the rich culture and history of this Tuscan gem.
Reserve Your Spot
2025 Arezzo Fall Joust Weekend
Secure your place in the 2025 Arezzo Fall Joust Weekend by completing the deposit/reservation form. Upon submitting this form, you will be directed to a new page to continue the enrollment process.
Please ensure you:
Complete all required fields in the subsequent Trip Forms.
Sign all necessary waivers to participate fully in the program.
Submit your forms to finalize your enrollment in the program.
We’re excited to welcome you to this unique learning experience in Arezzo. Thank you for choosing to embark on this language and cultural adventure with us!
Blog Posts about Arezzo
Please Read the Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy
The Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy embodies a love for the Italian language and culture, focusing on immersive learning experiences that connect the heart, mind, and soul. This philosophy champions:
Passionate Exploration: A deep love for Italy drives every journey, encouraging travelers to dive into the country’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Social Connectivity: Emphasizing the importance of making new friends, the philosophy values social interactions, whether through casual encounters or shared experiences, enriching the travel experience.
Sharing the Journey: Documenting travels through photos and videos and sharing these moments on various social media platforms like the Matta blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds, invites others to join in the adventure virtually.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognizing that travel comes with its set of unpredictable challenges, this philosophy champions flexibility and a positive outlook, transforming potential obstacles into opportunities for unique experiences.
The Joy of the Unexpected: The belief that the unpredictable elements of travel contribute to its charm, encouraging travelers to embrace spontaneity, whether it’s dealing with delays or weather changes, with the perspective that every moment is part of the Italian adventure.
Packing a Sense of Humor: A reminder that a good attitude and a sense of humor are as essential as practical walking shoes, ensuring that every situation, no matter how challenging, can be navigated with grace and positivity.
Direct Communication: Urges travelers to communicate any issues or concerns directly during their stay, allowing for real-time solutions and ensuring a fulfilling travel experience.
Invitation to Adventure: This philosophy extends an open invitation to those ready to embark on an Italian adventure, promising not just a journey across a country but a journey of personal growth, language acquisition, and lasting friendships.
The Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy is more than just a way to travel; it’s a way to live fully immersed in the beauty of Italy, its language, and its culture, turning every trip into a rewarding, unforgettable experience. If this resonates with you, then
