The history of the bridge game is lengthy and intricate. It originated from a game known as “Mazzascudo” that was played in the Piazza dei Cavalieri in the era of the Pisan Republic.
This Game included warriors using shields and clubs. For the troops of Pisa, it served as training. Lorenzo the Magnificent made the decision to move the game to the Middle Bridge in 1490, changing the rules to pit two teams against one another to take control of the bridge. The game of bridge was thus officially recognized as a chivalrous performance by the physicians at the end of the 16th century, and it was thereafter practiced across the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
The Grand Duke Cosimo II granted the Pisani permission to play the ancient “Giuoco” game on the current Ponte Santa Trinita in Florence; the 28th of October 1609.
