Welcome to the fourth room of the museum. This is the heart of the festival. Three districts, three knights, and a ring to be pierced at a full gallop: everything is decided in a few seconds of pure adrenaline. Yet, behind the challenge lies an ancient and fascinating language of symbols, animals, and colors that tell stories of families, battles, and legends. Two paths will lead you through it all.

Path 1 – The Corsa all'Anello (Race to the Ring)

A challenge codified in the statutes of 1371, it still takes the breath away of the people of Narni today. Three rival districts-Mezule, Fraporta, and Santa Maria-compete for the Palio in an atmosphere of passion and civic pride that has no equal. You will discover the rules, the protagonists, and the history of a race that has endured for over seven centuries.

Path 2 – Bestiaries and Heraldry

Why is the symbol of Narni a red griffin? The answer lies in a medieval legend involving two enemy cities, a monstrous creature, and a battle that united them forever. From medieval bestiaries-illustrated books where lions, eagles, and dragons represented human virtues and vices-heraldry was born: a universal visual language that still speaks today through coats of arms, colors, and symbols. Come and decode it.