1421 Siege of the Castle

The re-enactment that brings Acerra back to 1421

Every year, between late May and early June, the center of Acerra transforms into a medieval town. The 1421 Siege of the Castle is the main historical re-enactment of the municipality, located in the Province of Naples, and transports residents and visitors back to the 15th century, when the Castello dei Conti became the stage for one of the most famous episodes in the city's history.

The history: three months of siege

In November 1421, during the war for the throne of Naples, the city of Acerra was besieged by the army of Alfonso V of Aragon. The people of Acerra, loyal to the legitimate sovereign Louis III and Queen Joanna II, proudly replied that they would prefer death to betrayal. The siege involved some of the most famous warlords of the era, such as Braccio da Montone, Niccolò Piccinino, and Giovanni di Ventimiglia. The resistance lasted about three months and was never broken: it is this strenuous defense that the re-enactment celebrates to this day.

Four days of spectacle and tradition

The event takes place over several days with a program full of appointments. The highlights are:

• Flag-wavers Tournament — displays with flags in the Parco Comunale on Via Manzoni;
• Medieval Encampment — set up along the moat of the Castello dei Conti, with costumed performers, ancient crafts, and scenes of medieval daily life;
• Knight's Joust — knights facing off in tests of skill and courage;
• Historical Pageant — a parade in period costumes through the city streets starting from the castle;
• Assault on the Castle — the spectacular final representation of the 1421 siege, featuring hundreds of performers.

A local event

Organized by the Municipality of Acerra, the 1421 Siege of the Castle is included in the Metropolitan Events calendar with the support of the Metropolitan City of Naples and the Campania Region. With its approximately five hundred performers, the event has become a defining appointment for the entire area north of Naples, capable of combining spectacle, culture, and the rediscovery of the medieval roots of the Campanian territory.