Trampolisti of Schieti

Walking on stilts was born out of an ancient necessity: crossing marshy ground and waterways where the terrain made movement difficult. For centuries, this simple tool supported everyday work, turning ingenuity and adaptability into a way of living in harmony with the landscape.

In the medieval village of Schieti, farmers and miners crossed the Foglia River on long willow stilts. Willow, with its straight trunk, light weight, and strength, was the ideal wood for making them. Over time, what began as a practical tool for work became a symbol of local identity and a cherished shared tradition.

Today, this heritage lives on in the Palio dei Trampoli (Stilt Race), which brings the village’s five districts together every year on the third weekend of June to compete in a test of balance, skill, and community spirit.

At Tocatì, you too will have the chance to give it a try. Guided by the people who keep this tradition alive, you will discover that walking on stilts is about much more than learning to keep your balance. It is an opportunity to experience an ancient practice, appreciate the ingenuity of past generations, and rediscover, step by step, a story that continues to walk into the present.