Ponte dei Pugni

The fights that took place on Ponte dei Pugni (the bridge of fists, or fights) were an annual competition between the inhabitants the eastern and western sestiere. It is said that rival clans would gather, throw punches and knock the opponent into the canal (at that time the bridge had no railings). The fights attracted large crowds of supporters.

Today you can see four marble footmarks on the bridge where opposing fighters had to stand.

The painting below showing the fighting is by Joseph Heintz the Younger (1673).

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