Perugia1416: How Porta Santa Susanna’s Archers Are Rewriting History in Italy’s Medieval Revival Tournament

PERUGIA, Italy — The clatter of medieval armor, the hiss of drawn bowstrings, and the murmur of 15th-century Italian dialects echoing through Piazza IV Novembre: Here’s not a battlefield, but the modern stage for Perugia1416, a tournament designed to revive the archery traditions that defined Italy’s Renaissance transition. And at the center of this historical resurgence stands Porta Santa Susanna, a rione whose archers have dominated early rounds with precision that would make even the most seasoned condottieri proud.

Tonight at midnight local time (22:00 UTC), the first official winner of Perugia1416 will be crowned in a ceremony that blends medieval pageantry with 21st-century sportsmanship. But long before the final proclamation, Porta Santa Susanna has already etched their name into the tournament’s history books—leading the standings with 25 points after three rounds of archery competition, a feat that has stunned both locals and historians alike.

The Underdog Story: How Porta Santa Susanna Took the Lead

When Perugia1416 kicked off on June 14, 2025, the five competing riones—historical districts of Perugia—were evenly matched in both skill and ambition. Each brought their own interpretation of 15th-century archery, from traditional longbows to recurved designs inspired by the era’s military innovations. But it was Porta Santa Susanna, representing the northeastern gate of the ancient city, who would emerge as the tournament’s early surprise leader.

The turning point came in the second round, where the rione’s archers executed a near-flawless performance. Leading the charge was Lorenzo Galli, a 22-year-old corcianese (a native of nearby Corciano) whose six perfect shots out of 12 propelled Porta Santa Susanna into a commanding lead. His accuracy wasn’t just a statistical outlier—it was a tactical masterclass, as Galli’s shots demonstrated an almost instinctive understanding of medieval archery’s “golden ratio” for arrow release.

More Than Just a Tournament: Perugia1416’s Broader Impact

Perugia1416 isn’t just a competition—it’s a cultural experiment. Organizers designed the event to bridge the gap between Italy’s medieval past and its modern sporting identity, using archery as a lens to explore how Renaissance-era skills were honed, traded, and perfected. The tournament’s name itself—a nod to the year 1416, when Perugia was a flourishing hub of trade and military innovation—reflects this ambition.

For Porta Santa Susanna, the victory isn’t just about points. It’s about reclaiming a narrative. Historical records show that the rione’s namesake gate was a strategic stronghold during the city’s medieval conflicts, and today, its archers are literally reloading that legacy. “This isn’t just about winning,” said Roberta Tonanni, the rione’s console (leader), in a post-round interview. “It’s about proving that the skills our ancestors perfected are still alive in us.”

Beyond the symbolic victory, Porta Santa Susanna’s success has practical implications for Italy’s growing historical reenactment sports movement. The rione’s training regimen—blending traditional bow techniques with modern biomechanics—has become a blueprint for other districts looking to compete in future editions of Perugia1416. “We’re not just preserving history,” said Tonanni. “We’re evolving it.”

The Stats Behind the Victory

While Porta Santa Susanna’s dominance is undeniable, the numbers tell a more nuanced story—one of precision, resilience, and a touch of luck. Here’s how the standings broke down after three rounds:

Note: The spareggio (tiebreaker) between Porta Sant’Angelo and Porta Sole was won by the latter in a children’s pull-of-war event, a unique twist that added both drama and community engagement to the tournament.

From Medieval Gates to Modern Arrows: The History of Perugia1416

Perugia’s archery revival isn’t new. The city has long celebrated its medieval heritage, with annual events like the Giostra della Quintana (a jousting tournament) drawing crowds since the 19th century. But Perugia1416 stands apart by focusing exclusively on archery—a skill that was both a military necessity and a mark of social status during the Renaissance.

Archival records from the Archivio di Stato di Perugia reveal that archery guilds were among the most influential organizations in 15th-century Perugia, often training under the patronage of noble families. The tournament’s rules mirror those of the era: three rounds of 12 shots each, with targets placed at varying distances to simulate both battlefield and hunting scenarios. Even the scoring system—where each bullseye is worth three points, a ring two points, and the outer ring one—is a direct homage to medieval practices.

What makes Perugia1416 distinctive, however, is its democratization of the sport. Unlike traditional archery competitions, which often cater to elite athletes, Perugia1416 welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. The inclusion of a children’s pull-of-war event, for example, reflects the tournament’s commitment to fostering a new generation of historical enthusiasts.

The Faces of the Revival: Archers, Consoles, and the Community

Behind Porta Santa Susanna’s success are individuals whose dedication has turned a historical curiosity into a modern triumph. Here are the key figures driving the rione’s story:

• Roberta Tonanni (Console): A historian by training, Tonanni has spent years researching Perugia’s medieval archery traditions. Her leadership has been instrumental in unifying the rione’s archers under a shared vision.
• Lorenzo Galli (Star Archer): At 22, Galli is the youngest member of Porta Santa Susanna’s team. His natural talent for medieval-style archery—combined with rigorous training—has made him the rione’s breakout star.
• Mauro Ragni (Veteran): With over 20 years of archery experience, Ragni’s precision under pressure has provided stability to the team. His four perfect shots in Round 1 set the stage for Galli’s later dominance.
• Carlo Allegrucci (Clutch Performer): Allegrucci’s 11th arrow in Round 3 wasn’t just a point—it was the emotional climax of the tournament for Porta Santa Susanna, securing their lead with a shot that resonated through the piazza.

But the real story isn’t just about the archers. It’s about the community. Porta Santa Susanna’s victory has inspired local schools to introduce archery into their physical education programs, and neighboring riones are now scrambling to replicate the training methods that have made the district so successful.

Midnight Showdown: How to Watch the Final Proclamation

The culmination of Perugia1416’s first edition will take place tonight at midnight local time (22:00 UTC) in Piazza IV Novembre, where Porta Santa Susanna will be officially crowned the tournament’s first winner. The ceremony will include:

• A medieval-style procession led by the rione’s archers, dressed in 15th-century garb.
• A live demonstration of the winning shots from the tournament’s rounds.
• The awarding of a replica Renaissance-era bow to Porta Santa Susanna’s console, Roberta Tonanni.
• A public address from local historians on the significance of archery in Perugia’s history.

While the event is primarily a local celebration, organizers have confirmed that live updates will be shared via Max Radio’s official page and Perugia’s tourism board social media channels. For international audiences, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) may provide highlights in the coming days, as historical reenactment sports gain traction as a niche but growing discipline.