Gioco del Ponte (Bridge Game) is Pisa, Italy’s late-June showdown—staged on the last Saturday of June—celebrating the city’s historic rivalries and civic pride as the Arno divides into Tramontana (north) and Mezzogiorno (south). The night begins with a lavish Renaissance costumed parade along the Lungarni, then the main event erupts on the Ponte di Mezzo: teams drive a heavy steel cart along a track, a brutal test of power, tactics, and neighborhood honor.
DATES & TIMES
• The City of Pisa states the event is usually held on the last Saturday of June; in 2026, that falls on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Comune di Pisa (official) · Turismo Pisa.
• Before the match on Ponte di Mezzo, the official city pages describe a historical parade along the Lungarni; confirm the 2026 day-of timetable on the official tourism/news pages. Event overview · City event notice.
LOCATION
• Pisa, Italy. Open in Google Maps.
• Main event location: Ponte di Mezzo, Pisa. Open in Google Maps · Turismo Pisa.
• Parade route area: the official city pages place the historical procession on the Lungarni adjoining Ponte di Mezzo. Open in Google Maps · Comune di Pisa (official).
TICKETS & ENTRY
• The City of Pisa’s service page lists the event as free, but official tourism/news pages have also used ticketed spectator seating in recent editions; confirm the 2026 entry and sales arrangements on the official event notices published closer to the date. Comune di Pisa (official) · Recent tourism notice.
• In 2025, the City of Pisa published ticket sales through the Teatro Verdi di Pisa box office; use the city’s official updates to verify whether the same process applies in 2026. 2025 ticket notice · Teatro di Pisa.
GOOD TO KNOW
• The official city description says the event includes twelve teams divided between Mezzogiorno and Tramontana, with the contest held on a rail-mounted cart on Ponte di Mezzo. Comune di Pisa (official).
• Traffic, bridge access, and parking restrictions are typically published by the City of Pisa in the days before the event; check official mobility notices before arrival. Recent mobility notice · Turismo Pisa.
• Municipal contacts for historical traditions are listed by the city on the official service page. Official contacts.