Cava San Marino Balestrieri

Cava dei Balestrieri - Crossbowmen’s Quarry

There was a time when the Crossbow Corps was an important part of the San Marino military and although they are no longer used in warfare, there is still a group of around eighty voluntary members who make up the San Marino Crossbow Corps. They dress in traditional medieval clothes and take part in many of the festivals that happen in the city, giving demonstrations and performing regularly. They give demonstrations abroad and not just in San Marino itself, however they are immensely proud of their country and all of its traditions.
The Cava dei Balestrieri is the space where traditional festivities are held such as flag waving or crossbow demonstrations. The San Marino Federation of Crossbowmen is made up of a whole team of people, not just the archers. There are musicians who play along with processional music or accompanying music for contests, there are also highly skilled artisans who forge the bows and the Corteggio Storico (or historical procession) which always includes two gonfaloniers (a very prestigious civic magistrate in Medieval Italy) in its group.
It is worth checking to see if there are any open air festivals on while you are visiting San Marino. There is a distinct medieval feel to the proceedings and traditional costumes are worn, these events are rich in atmosphere and really evoke the feel of the ancient city as well as providing fabulous opportunities for photos.
At first glance the stone tablets that you can see around you may seem to resemble gravestones and it is said that many people who chance across this place assume it to be a cemetery, unless they happen across it when there is a public event taking place and that is when the Crossbowman’s Quarry really come to life. Often even if there is not a scheduled event on, crossbowmen will set up in the quarry to practise their art. If it happens to be empty when you visit then listen carefully, there is something about this place that makes it easy to conjure up the theatre and dramatic atmosphere of historical events.
The quarry was first opened in the 19th century to source the stone that was needed to restore the Palazzio Pubblico. The open space was then used for crossbow competitions. The crossbow has always been a steady part of the history of San Marino as it was often the weapon of choice in defending the republic. Every day on the 3rd of September an archery competition takes place at Cava dei Balestrieri.
Now let’s move on to the Basilica of the Saint.