Sitting only 3 metres above sea level and 15 kilometres south of the mouth of the Arno, Leghorn is an important port, industrial and seaside city. The original town buildings are, in fact, those which face the old Medici port.
There is mention, as early as the 15th century, of a town palio organised on the waters in front of Leghorn. Today, the regatta covers a 2000-metre course which the boats must complete three times. Flags with the district colours adorn the buoys that indicate the lane assignments which are determined by drawing. The first boat to cross the finish line is awarded the victory banner, called the Palio.