In Castell’Arquato, on the second weekend of September, it’s time to relive the Middle Ages

from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September 2025
camp along the Arda and village of Castell’Arquato

The village of Castell’Arquato, in the center of the Val d’Arda, is characterized by stone houses and well-preserved medieval buildings that make it one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The Piazza del Municipio is overlooked by the ancient Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its characteristic golden color, due to the limestone that constitutes its cladding; the Palazzo del Podestà, a symbol of civic power, built from the end of the thirteenth century, and the Rocca Viscontea, an expression of military power and Milanese domination over the territory.

Every year, thanks to the re-enactors of the Gens Innominabilis Association, the village is put under siege, just as it happened at the beginning of the 1300s when the Visconti took power. In the camp along the Arda at the foot of the village, among markets and artisan shops, armored wrestling companies from all over Europe will compete in a spectacular tournament to the last breath with swords. In addition: meetings, games, archery trials, musicians, jesters and evening shows.

Program

Nutrition, food and cuisine in the Middle Ages

Friday 12 September 2025, 5 pm
in the Parco delle Driadi, viale Rimembranze, Castell’Arquato

A meeting on the theme of food, with the participation of the expert in the history of gastronomy Giovanni Compiani and the restaurateurs Barbara and Alessandro Faccini. A publication with recipes from the medieval tradition will be presented. Afterwards: tasting of medieval cuisine, by the Da Faccini Restaurant.

Opening of the medieval camp

Saturday 13 September 2025, 10
amencampment along Arda (access from the parking lot viale Remondini or from via Montessori)

Group stages of the historical fencing tournament in armor

Saturday 13 September 2025, from 3 pm
encampment along Arda (access from the parking lot viale Remondini or from via Montessori)

Great fire show

Saturday 13 September 2025, 9.15
pmencampment along Arda (access from the parking lot viale Remondini or from via Montessori)

A performance with overtures of medieval historical music and a performance by the Lithuanian company Viduramžiai. Grand finale with the fire of the Rocca Viscontea.

Opening of the medieval camp

Sunday 14 September 2025, 10 a.m
.encampment along Arda (access from the parking lot viale Remondini or from via Montessori)

Duels and challenges in armor

Sunday 14 September 2025, from 2.30
p.m.encampment along Arda (access from the parking lot viale Remondini or from via Montessori)

Final phase of the historical fencing tournament in armor

Sunday 14 September 2025, 3.30
p.m.encampment along Arda (access from the parking lot viale Remondini or from via Montessori)

Great pitched battle

Sunday 14 September 2025, 6
pmencampment along Arda (access from the parking lot viale Remondini or from via Montessori)