Led by archers Giorgia Ferranti and Demetrio Bruschi, Porta del Borgo dominated the traditional contest with a total score of 326 points.
Archery Showdown at the Rocca di Braccio
The annual medieval reenactment brought competitive archery back to the historic Rocca di Braccio. Porta del Borgo secured the top spot in the standings after outshooting their neighborhood rivals across the course. Behind the champions, Rione Porta del Monte finished in second place with 259 points through the efforts of archers Celine Nobili and Marco Bocchini. Rione Porta del Verziere rounded out the podium in third place with 257 points, registered by competitors Federico Finocchi Arcipreti and Alessandro Grassini.
Individual excellence matched the collective triumph for Porta del Borgo. Giorgia Ferranti earned the prestigious “Freccia d’Oro” (Golden Arrow) award as the competition’s top-performing archer, accumulating 170 points during the evening trials. In the broader scoring framework for the Palio, the archery contest awarded 6 points to Porta del Borgo, 4 points to Porta del Monte, and 2 points to Porta del Verziere.
A Sweep Across Medieval Disciplines
Beyond the archery range, Porta del Borgo sustained its technical advantage throughout the week-long festival. The neighborhood faction also claimed top marks in the opening “Bandi di sfida” (Challenge Proclamations), impressing judges across categories of historical authenticity, interpretation, and theatrical set design.
The cultural program continued with dramatic medieval performances staged across historic venues in Montone. Porta del Borgo presented Imago sanguinis at the Chiostro di San Francesco, drawing critical praise and large audiences. Competing factions likewise mounted elaborate productions: Porta del Monte produced De carne mea at the Rocca di Braccio, while Porta del Verziere staged L’ombra della corona at the Auditorium San Fedele.
Historical Roots and Grand Finale
The festival commemorates the historic donation of the Santa Spina—a verified fragment of the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ—which was originally acquired by condottiero Carlo Fortebracci from the Republic of Venice following his military campaigns in 1473. The multi-day celebration culminated on Sunday, August 16, with a grand historical procession featuring the faction’s castellana, madonna Emanuela Faloci, walking alongside the character of Carlo Fortebracci through the ancient stone streets of the borgo.
Palio della Santa Spina Archery Standings
- First Place: Rione Porta del Borgo (326 points; archers Giorgia Ferranti and Demetrio Bruschi) — 6 Palio points
- Second Place: Rione Porta del Monte (259 points; archers Celine Nobili and Marco Bocchini) — 4 Palio points
- Third Place: Rione Porta del Verziere (257 points; archers Federico Finocchi Arcipreti and Alessandro Grassini) — 2 Palio points
