The European Fencing Championships have opened in Genoa. The exhibition “Dalla Storia alla Scherma” was inaugurated. Kataklò starred in the Opening Ceremony.

Great enthusiasm for the official opening of the European Fencing Championships in Genoa. First challenges in women’s foil and men’s sabre, with all competition areas now open across the Jean Nouvel Pavilion and Palasport. Each day features elimination rounds on the second floor of the Blue Pavilion from 9 AM to 4 PM, followed by semifinals and finals at the Palasport from 5 PM onward. The Jean Nouvel Pavilion hosts a free “fencing village”, open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, where visitors can explore exhibitions and installations or try fencing under the guidance of Ligurian club instructors.

THE EXHIBITION. On this opening day, the exhibition “From History to Fencing” was inaugurated in the presence of top sports authorities. Designed by Alessandro Rizzi in collaboration with maestro Giancarlo Toran, director of Busto Arsizio’s Agorà Fencing Museum, the exhibition traces a captivating journey from ancient armored duels to modern sport fencing, featuring contributions from international experts. Through historical notes, curiosities, paintings, armor, and weapons, it offers a chronological voyage from the Middle Ages to competitive fencing—accessible not only to enthusiasts but also to families and children.
“We conceived it,” confirms Rizzi, “to inspire younger generations. It’s truly for everyone, even those new to fencing. It showcases icons like Nedo Nadi and Edoardo Mangiarotti, recent Basel European champions, and even the design process behind the Genoa 2025 medals (displayed here in gold, silver, and bronze). The medals feature Genoa’s Lanterna, a laurel wreath for victory, and St. George’s Cross on a fencer’s mask—a tribute against a white background symbolizing both fencing uniforms and peace.”
Screens display iconic cinematic duels, from medieval first-person clashes to Ridley Scott’s epics, The Three Musketeers, and montages spanning Troy to Star Wars.

OPENING CEREMONY. A tribute to Genoa and fencing history. The Championships’ opening ceremony, conceived and directed by former Olympic rhythmic gymnast Giulia Staccioli (founder of Kataklò Athletic Dance Theatre), is a performative narrative blending Europe’s legacy, Genoese pride, and fencing’s global stars.
Kataklò, renowned since 1995 for merging athleticism with dance and theater, has graced events like the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics and 2008 Beijing Cultural Olympics. For this ceremony, 12 Kataklò performers join actor Pier Domenico Simone (as Christopher Columbus), Ligurian gymnasts, and historical reenactors from the Compagnia dei Cavalieri del Fiesco and Milizia San Giorgio. The show opens with a “European Mosaic” set to Fabrizio De André’s Creuza de Ma, while young Ligurian fencers Benedetta Madrignani and Claudio Pirani symbolically bridge past and present.

TICKETS. Purchase tickets for Genoa 2025 via Vivaticket or onsite at the Jean Nouvel Pavilion (9 AM–4 PM) and Palasport (5–7 PM). The Jean Nouvel ticket grants access to individual quarterfinals and team semifinals, while the Palasport ticket covers daily finals. A Daily Ticket provides entry to all events at both venues.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE. Competition begins at 9 AM (Jean Nouvel Pavilion) with men’s épée (Davide Di Veroli, Matteo Galassi, Andrea Santarelli, Valerio Cuomo) and women’s sabre (Michela Battiston, Chiara Mormile, Manuela Spica, Mariella Viale). Finals start at 6 PM (Palasport), with awards around 8:10 PM.

PARTNERSHIPS. The Championships are held in Liguria—European Region of Sport 2025—with support from the European Commission, Italian Ministry for Sport, Liguria Region, and Genoa Municipality. Under the European Fencing Confederation and endorsed by CONI and Sport e Salute. The Genoa Chamber of Commerce hosts a farewell dinner for delegations on June 18. Hospitality partners include Costa Edutainment, Banca Passadore, Toyota, and others. Free public transport for athletes is provided via the Genoa-AMT agreement. Media partners: Rai, Sky Sport, Il Secolo XIX. Finals air live on Rai 2 and Sky.

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