For the first time since ancient times, a horse race is held in the heart of Rome, in the huge arena of the Circus Maximus. On the weekend and September 16-18. the competition of the world's most famous show jumpers, the Global Champions Tour, is held between
"After fifteen hundred years, the horsemen return to Circus Maximus. We feel honored to be able to organize the event at this location. It is of great importance that we can host such a beautiful and prestigious competition in the arena," said Mayor Virginia Raggi at the press conference presenting the event. "We worked a lot together with the monument protection authority to be able to organize the competition in a monument that is part of the UNESCO world heritage".
The mayor of Rome called the competition the F1 of equestrian sports, in which 101 athletes from 20 countries and more than 200 horses will participate. The international competition series has been organized since 2006.
The Circus Maximus, one of Rome's most important historical sites, provided space for up to 250,000 people in ancient times. The citizens of the city liked to watch chariot races here. After the Eastern Goths invaded Rome 1,500 years ago, the gigantic structure was left to decay. The last chariot race was held in 549.
Circus Maximus has not been considered an important ancient monument for a long time, it is mainly used by joggers on weekends. It is often chosen as a venue for concerts and mass demonstrations.
Source: MTI
