Pisa has found a playful way to bring its centuries-old tradition into the digital age. A brand-new arcade-style videogame inspired by the Gioco del Ponte—the historic battle-of-strength game between the city’s northern (Tramontana) and southern (Mezzogiorno) districts—is now part of the city’s cultural showcase.
The game, developed by local tech company Rjc Soft, features a classic vintage cabinet design and will be permanently displayed in the ground-floor exhibition on Pisa’s history and traditions inside the City Hall. Visitors and locals alike will be able to try their hand at the game, which replicates the challenge of pushing the symbolic cart uphill—a key part of the real-life Gioco del Ponte, held every June on the central Ponte di Mezzo bridge.
The initiative aims to make this deeply rooted Pisan tradition more engaging for younger generations. By mixing retro gaming aesthetics with local heritage, the city hopes to attract both schoolchildren and curious tourists. The project reflects a broader push to connect modern audiences with historical customs in creative and accessible ways.
With this new digital twist, Pisa proves that even the oldest rivalries can get a second life—on screen, in pixelated style.
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