DATE OF FOUNDATION
1986
MEMBERSHIP OF LITAB
1986
PRESIDENT
Bruno Ramon
The Compagnia Balestrieri “Città di Ventimiglia” (Crossbowmen’s Guild of Ventimiglia) was founded in May 1984 by Mr. Piero Abellonio, who held the position of President until 2016, when the role passed to lawyer Dario Canavese.
The Balestrieri, a historic offshoot of the Compagnia d’i Ventemigliusi, have been carrying out their activities for thirty years now in the shooting range donated by the Administration in the Peglia area. Since its foundation, in addition to participating in prestigious national competitions in the Italian league, the Compagnia has brought medieval folklore to western Liguria together with the drummers and flag-wavers of the city’s districts. Every year, the Compagnia participates in the prestigious historical re-enactment known as “Réléve du Gouverneur Jenuase,” organized by the city of Bastia in Corsica. The cities of Bonifacio and Calvi have also hosted the Balestrieri Ventimigliesi.
Over the years, weapons masters have learned the art of crossbow construction, becoming master crossbow makers and enabling various crossbowmen to own and create their own crossbows.
In its thirty years of activity, the Company has organized two hundred and ninety social tournaments, from which the various annual champions emerge.
Even today, after thirty years of activity, the Compagnia Balestrieri “Città di Ventimiglia” (Crossbowmen Company of Ventimiglia) continues to bring the history and traditions of this magnificent weapon around Italy and Europe with undiminished passion.
Ventimiglia is the westernmost city in the Liguria region and is located on the border with France. Founded in prehistoric times by the Ligurian Intemelii tribe, it was conquered by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC. It remained loyal to Rome during the imperial centuries but was then conquered by the Lombards in 644. It became a free commune in the feudal age and a border stronghold of the Republic of Genoa in 1221.
However, in the centuries that followed, the city was constantly contested by other local lordships, despite now being part of Genoese territory. There were several pretenders to the throne, including the Grimaldis, the Angevins, the Viscontis, the Savoys, the Sforzas, and even France. In 1505, it finally became part of the Genoese domain, sharing its fortunes and glories.
Ventimiglia is currently a tourist and commercial city, thanks in part to its proximity to France and the Principality of Monaco.