The Medieval Festival, known as Monteriggioni Festa Medievale in Italian, takes place in the beautiful castle-town of Monteriggioni, located near Siena, in the region of Tuscany, about an hour drive from Florence. It became famous thanks to Dante’s quote where he admired its walls crowned by the towers. The festival takes place in July, filling the inner space of the castle with interesting medieval folks: artisans, knights, nobles, commoners, and soldiers. The event features live performances, dances, music, performances, and a medieval feast with traditional delicacies of the region.
2024 Edition
The 14th edition of Monteriggioni Medieval Festival will take on July 5-7. The highly anticipated medieval banquet is scheduled for the evening of July 4th. Banchetto al Castello (Banquet at the Castle) is a perfect start to the Medieval festival of Monteriggioni, set in one of Italy's most beautiful spaces. The festival program is full of continuous street and square shows and parades in historical costumes.
Festival Highlights
Visitors get a chance to play medieval games of skill, attend colorful costumed parades, watch artisans at work, and try something for themselves. Knights in shiny armor are testing their combat skills in jousts and tournaments while elegant dames and dignitaries walk the streets in their best garb. Other highlights include entertaining street shows, magic, dancing and music, fireworks, as well as food and wine. Every night, there are street shows and entertainment. The festival works with historians to make sure that all details and costumes reflect the Medieval period.
Location
Most of the activities and events happen at the Monteriggioni castle. Located within 6 miles (10 km) from Siena, this gem of medieval architecture dates back to 1214. The circular Monteriggioni castle is one of the most scenic and best preserved in Tuscany. A defensive fortress boasts 14 towers, providing a good outlook for the approaching hostile troops. Its main purpose was to repel the attacks of rivals of Florence and provide surveillance of Via Francigena, Val d'Elsa, and the Staggia. Dante Alighieri was so impressed by the castle during the battle between Siena and Florence that he compared the towers or “di torri si corona” to Nembrotto, Fialte, and Anteo, the giants stuck in the chasm of Malebolgia.
Piazza Roma, the main square of the castle, creates an unforgettable atmosphere for the event. The food reflects the history of the castle and is prepared according to traditions of that time. Monteriggioni Medieval Festival will give visitors a chance to feel what life was like in Medieval Tuscany, but with some advantages of civilization like electricity and plumbing.
