Follow this part of the trail
11 articles
The Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans is a centuries-old festival commemorating Joan of Arc's victory in 1429. Each May, the city center fills with medieval markets, processions, and sound-and-light shows. This guide covers the festival's history, key events, and practical tips for planning your trip.
Each spring, Reims hosts the Fêtes Johanniques, a medieval weekend that recreates the coronation of Charles VII in the presence of Joan of Arc. Expect a grand parade, a market of nearly 100 artisan stalls, reenactments, and family workshops around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. This guide helps you plan your visit, from dates and locations to what to see and do.
Every August, the Tuscan hill town of Volterra transforms into a medieval village for the AD 1398 festival. Over two Sundays, the historic center hosts parades, artisan stalls, and banquets where visitors trade with Grosso coins. This guide covers the event's atmosphere and practical tips for planning your visit.
San Gimignano's medieval heritage comes alive every June with the Ferie delle Messi, a festival celebrating the 1255 harvest tradition. Flag-throwing, archery, and the thrilling Giostra dei Bastioni horse race transform the town into a living medieval stage.
The contrade of Asti are more than race teams—they are living communities with medieval roots. This guide explains the rioni, borghi, and comuni, their visual identities, and how to experience them during the Palio.
Every May, Assisi transforms into a medieval stage as two historic factions—Parte de Sopra and Parte de Sotto—compete in song, dance, and pageantry. Rooted in 14th-century family feuds, this friendly rivalry now defines the Calendimaggio festival, offering visitors a living glimpse into the city's past.
The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo runs twice a year: a June evening edition and a September daytime edition. This guide explains the recurrence rule, how to confirm current-year dates, and what happens step by step on the day of the joust.
Tickets for the Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo go on sale only in the week before each edition. This guide explains when and how to buy them, compares grandstand zones and sectors, and covers standing places, the general rehearsal, refunds, and practical tips for securing your seat. Check the official website for current prices and dates.
Immerse yourself in the medieval pageantry of the Giostra della Quintana, Foligno’s historic jousting tournament. Learn about its origins, the ten districts, the atmosphere of the June and September editions, and how to plan your visit with practical tips on tickets, seating, and experiencing the city beyond the arena.
Each year from late August to mid-September, Como stages the Palio del Baradello, a medieval festival commemorating Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's 1159 visit. Expect a grand historical parade, flag-wavers, drummers, and competitions among the city's ancient quarters, with the dramatic backdrop of the historic center and the lake.
The Palio di Asti is a historic bareback horse race held in Asti, Italy, every September. It features a grand historical procession, flag-wavers, and a thrilling final race in Piazza Alfieri. Discover its medieval origins, the participating districts, and how to attend.
