Medieval fairs and festivals in Tuscany
Every year Tuscany and some of its most beautiful villages are the perfect setting of numerous Medieval fairs, animated by characters in historical costumes, minstrels and storytellers, wandering musicians, flag throwers and many others simply interested in playing with the thought of stepping back in time.
Tuscany, with its many beautiful large and small villages and towns with origins in Medieval times, is ideal for a medieval fair or historical reenactment. These events are organized throughout the year, with many of them concentrating in the seasons with better weather given that they all take place outdoors.
The best and most entertaining aspect of these fairs is seeing 100% participation of its citizens - they all dress up in different roles and then are in charge of presenting an aspect of daily Medieval life to visitors. From small entertainment shows and activities dedicated exclusively for children, citizens dress up in full costumes paying attention to every detail and set up tables showcasing the various crafts that were practiced at one time such as blacksmith, candlemaker, tannery and more. Many set up shops as they once were - on the street and ply their craft to the enjoyment of the crowd.
Below is a list of some of the Medieval fairs we know take place every year in Tuscany. If you can't make it to one this year, this might help plan a future vacation. If you know of any others we have not included in hte list, let us know by following the link at the bottom and we'll add to spreading the word!
Have fun stepping back in time!
May - June
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Medieval Fair in Serravalle Pistoiese (Pistoia)
May
The fair takes place around the Rocca Nuova and the Rocca di Castruccio at Serravalle Pistoiese not too far from Florence.
Official site: http://www.fieramedievaleallarocca.it/. Event suspended in 2011. -
Medieval Fair at Malmantile - Lastra a Signa (Firenze)
May 28-29 and June 4-5 2011
The festival takes place in the Medival village of Malmantile, close to Lastra a Signa.
Official site: http://www.festamedioevalemalmantile.it -
Medieval Festival Bianco Azzurra at Castiglion Fiorentino (AR)
June 12 2011
The fair takes place within the castle Rocca del Cassero in Castiglion Fiorentino.
Official site: http://www.gruppocassero.it -
Fiera delle Messi in San Gimignano (SIENA)
June 18,19 2011
More info at http://www.cavalieridisantafina.it
July
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The Renaissance of Colle between 1479 and 1592 - Colle Val d' Elsa (Siena)
July 2-3 2011
The beautiful village of Colle Val d'Elsa celebrates Renaissance.
Official site: http://www.ilrinascimentodicolle.org/ -
Monteriggioni di torri si corona (Monteriggioni crowned by towers) - Monteriggioni (Siena)
July 8-9-10 and July 15-16-17, 2011
The majority of the events are within the city walls of Monteriggioni, offering a very particular setting.
Official site: http://www.monteriggionimedievale.com -
Medieval Times at the Court of the Ubaldini - Palazzuolo sul Senio (FI)
15-16-17 and 22-23-24 of July 2011.
Official site: http://www.osteghibellina.net
August
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Medieval Times in the Borgo of Roccatederighi (GR)
This medieval fair takes place in August within this beautiful Medieval village in Maremma.
On the first weekend of August 2011.
Official site: http://www.roccatederighi.info/medioevo.php -
Volterra AD 1398 at Volterra (PI)
We've been to this Medieval fair twice already and it is a lot of fun! A whole section of the town dedicated to the fair is the perfect setting and there is entertainment and something to see at every corner.
Third and fourth Sunday of August 2011
Official site: http://www.volterra1398.it/
September
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The Castle Lives Again! - Medieval reenactment at the Nozzano Castle (Lucca)
September 2011
Official site: http://www.ilcastellorivive.it
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Medieval Fair at Montevettolini - Monsummano Terme (PT)
September 10, 2011
Official site: http://www.rondomontevettolini.it
Read more about best Medieval Festivals >>
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