“The Ring”: The Anello dell’Alfiere at Palazzo Medici Riccardi

The Ring: the Anello dell’Alfiere at Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Palazzo Medici Riccardi hosts the exhibition "The Ring, l’Anello dell’Alfiere ed altre storie" in the Sale Ginori. The show, free to enter, is on display until 23 March 2026 and highlights the creation of the Anello dell’Alfiere Vincitore and the craftsmanship of the Paolo Penko goldsmith workshop.

The exhibition explores how Calcio storico intersects with civic identity, presenting photographic documentation, historical references and the central jewel that embodies the tradition.

• Exhibition layout: the itinerary develops across three rooms: the first is dedicated to the Marzocco, featuring a large recycled-cardboard lion; the second evokes the 2025 "Cavalcata Rossa" through photographs; the third focuses on the Ring and its symbolic elements.
• The jewel: the Anello dell’Alfiere Vincitore is handmade in silver using lost-wax casting, hand-chiselled and enriched with penkato and bugnato finishes. The top reproduces the historic plan of Florence (Ruggieri map, 1731), with the four quarters marked by colored crystals; deep hand-incised grooves represent the Arno and the victory year MMXXV is rendered in Roman numerals.
• Base and historical cues: the ring rests on a bronze base shaped like a Florentine pavilion tent, decorated with damask motifs that recall the Lily of Florence and the Marzocco crown.

Local officials, the goldsmith Paolo Penko and representatives of the Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina and the Calcio storico teams attended the inauguration. The jewel will also be presented in a ceremonial procession at Palazzo Vecchio scheduled for 25 March.

Practical information

• Venue: Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Sale Ginori, Florence.
• Admission: free.
• On view until: 23 March 2026.
• Visitor note: recommended for those interested in civic traditions, goldsmithing and Florence’s monumental history; check current opening times before planning your visit.

The exhibition connects local history and artisanal skill, offering a monument-focused perspective on the ties between city, colors and popular traditions.