Palio dei Caci

Across between a historical re-enactment and an exuberant local event, the Palio dei Caci cheese-rolling competition in Volterra is one of the main events at Volterragusto, known among gourmands near and far for its numerous truffle-centered appointments.

 

On the next to last Sunday in October, along via Franceschini’s descent, you can watch the wheels of cheese produced in the Balze Volterrane roll their way through the route. You’ll see them tumble along, chased by the “corridori” (runners) of eight city districts who will face off with wooden pallets, skillfully getting around the hay bale obstacles placed in their way, bringing their own cheese wheel to the finish line as fast as possible.