Every August
There are towns you visit. And then there's Pietralunga during the Palio: a place you live, that pulls you in, that you never forget.
For a week the stone streets fill with drums, banners and the scent of medieval taverns open in the evening. The five boroughs come alive, the captains are solemnly invested, the flag-wavers throw their banners toward the Umbrian sky.
The Rocca lights up with fire. Piazza Fiorucci becomes a medieval stage. And for first-time visitors, it's hard to believe it's all real — until they experience it themselves.
To discover
From the Palio's squares to the quiet countryside: Pietralunga holds much more than you'd expect at first glance.
The symbol of Pietralunga. The Rocca (fortress) dominates the town from above with its austere grey stone mass. During the Palio it becomes the absolute protagonist: every Sunday evening the Burning of the Fortress takes the stage, the fireworks finale that lights up the whole valley.
🔥 Not to be missed on Sunday eveningThe scenic heart of the Palio. Here the historical procession, the reenactment of the Miracle of the Mannaja, the Corsa del Biroccio and the final award ceremony all take place. Standing in the crowd during the show is an experience that stays with you.
⚔ Main stage of the PalioThe town's main square, the civic heart of Pietralunga. It hosts the Palio's opening ceremony and the investiture of the captains. Even outside Palio week, it's the right place to stop and feel the town's slow rhythm.
📜 Official opening ceremoniesWandering through the alleys of the historic center is already a complete experience. The ancient walls, the dark stone doorways, the narrow staircases and the sudden views over the Umbrian hills tell centuries of history without needing a caption.
🗺 To explore on foot, unhurriedOne of the most evocative places in the historic center. Every Wednesday evening — during Palio week — its garden hosts a performance by the "Pierino Galletti" Polyphonic Choir: a moment of quiet beauty among ancient stones.
🎶 Choir every Wednesday evening of the PalioA few kilometers from Pietralunga, set in the rural Umbrian landscape, Pieve de' Saddi is one of the Romanesque jewels of the Upper Tiber Valley. Ancient walls, absolute silence and a light that changes hour by hour. Worth the detour.
🌾 Rural Romanesque architectureA place of popular devotion set among the woods, reached along scenic roads. It keeps alive a centuries-old pilgrimage tradition and is the ideal spot for a quiet break away from the Palio crowds.
🌿 Spirituality and natureOne of the largest pine forests in Umbria, just minutes from the town. Trails among the pines, cool air even in August, ideal for a free morning before diving into the Palio's evening events. A breath of green Umbria.
🥾 Walks in natureA surprise for those coming to the Palio. Pietralunga's Ornithological Museum houses a collection of local bird specimens. An unexpected visit, especially appreciated by families and nature lovers.
🔭 Great for families with childrenGetting your bearings
The Palio's locations, points of interest and medieval taverns: everything within reach.
ℹ The historic center is partially closed to traffic during Palio week. Parking is available at the edges of town.
Pietralunga (PG)
06026 · Umbria, Italy
Navigate to Pietralunga All information on how to get there →How to plan
Whether you're coming for one evening or the whole week, here's how to make the most of your visit to the Palio.
✓ Also ideal for those coming just for the evening
⚔ The best way to truly experience the Palio
🌿 For those who want to discover the Umbrian countryside
Nearby
Pietralunga is set within one of Italy's richest territories. Within an hour's drive you can reach historic towns, art cities and extraordinary landscapes.
One of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy. The Roman Theatre, Palazzo dei Consoli, the Corsa dei Ceri. Worth at least half a day.
The capital of the Upper Tiber Valley. The Burri Museum, a Renaissance historic center, quality food. Excellent for a morning of culture.
A town on the Tiber with a 15th-century fortress. A good starting point for exploring the middle Tiber Valley.
One of the most beautiful towns in Italy, perched on a hill with a view over the valley. An intact, small and authentic historic center.
Umbria's capital city. Corso Vannucci, the National Gallery of Umbria, the works of Perugino. A full day isn't enough.
In Tuscany, birthplace of Piero della Francesca. The Museo Civico holds "The Resurrection," one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance.
Practical information
Everything useful to know when planning your visit to Pietralunga during the Palio della Mannaja 2026.
Pietralunga awaits you in August. Everything you need to plan your trip is right here.