The Gioco della Civetta, or “Game of the Owl,” was a traditional medieval game played in Italy, including Florence. Like many medieval games, it often carried both social and symbolic meanings.
In this game, one player would take on the role of the owl . The participants would slap the guy in the center and the guy that was in the center should try to touch the guy in front of him that was trying to slap him… an other version was to remove the hut at the guy in the center before him was tacching the other… it is possible to see some statues of youth plaing this game in Boboli garden at Pitti Palace.
Though relatively simple, Gioco della Civetta was likely a form of social interaction and light entertainment that children and young adults enjoyed during leisure times. Games like this also helped build camaraderie and reflect certain medieval values, such as cunning, agility, and cooperation.
Florence, during the medieval period, was a bustling center of commerce, art, and culture. Leisure activities like this were popular among various classes, particularly during public festivals, community gatherings, or even in everyday play for children.
