Pontremoli Medieval Festival
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Port
Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$100
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Pontremoli is the northernmost municipality of Tuscany, perched in the high valley of the River Magra. Its center sits in a basin surrounded by high hills. The lower part of the town -- the Imoborgo -- was separated from the upper Sommoborgo by the Piazza del Comune market square.
The annual Medievalis Festival (August 21 - 25) is rooted in the ancient granting of Independence to Pontremoli in 1226 by Emperor Federico II. The celebration is a historical re-enactment of the liberation and of the clavis et ianua (key and door) relationship between Lombardy and Tuscany -- an expression that sums up the importance of Pontremoli in the Middle Ages.
During the festival, Pontremoli becomes, once again, a medieval city. Cars are banned from the historic city center so that travelers, merchants, carriages and riders, representing the medieval social classes of clergy, nobility, military, courtiers and peasants, have the right of way.
You will have four hours of free time to explore the village independently, taste the local food and admire all the vices and virtues of medieval humanity -- duels, falconer exhibitions, food with forgotten flavors, flag-waving shows, dances and choreography. Don't miss the Challenge of the Cortina di Cazzaguerra -- a daily tournament where the three historical factions, Sommoborgo, Immoborgo and Contado, breathe life into an ancient feud and challenge each other to compete for the palio -- the prize.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour operates August 21 - 25 only. Tour is not guided and does not include meals, drinks or entrance fees. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Travel time to Pontremoli is approximately 1.5 hours each way.