A.D. 1387 – Battle at Terra del Sole

A 14th-Century Battle Revived Among the Bastions

A.D. 1387 – Battle at Terra del Sole is one of the most important medieval historical re-enactments in Romagna. Every year, in September, the evocative Renaissance fortress city of Terra del Sole, part of the municipality of Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole in the province of Forlì-Cesena, hosts for two days a large international gathering of re-enactment groups that bring to life an armed clash that actually took place in the area in 1387.

Historical Context: The Clash of 1387

The event reconstructs the battle fought near Castrocaro in 1387, when the troops led by Cecco Ordelaffi from Forlì clashed with opposing companies, including those of the Dal Verme, the Landi, and Guido d'Ascanio. It is an episode set within the complex power struggles that characterized 14th-century Romagna, amidst local lordships, Florentine ambitions, and papal interests. The re-enactment recounts this crucial moment in regional history by bringing to life the weapons, tactics, encampments, and crafts of the era.

What to See

The heart of the event is the re-enactment of the battle, with over a hundred armed men facing each other on the field with swords, bows, and crossbows, according to strict historical regulations that limit weapons, armour, and attire to the period 1360-1410. An entire medieval world comes alive around the clash:

• Historical encampments that can be visited, with costumes, weapons, armour, and furnishings reconstructed with great philological accuracy;
• Medieval market with exhibitors and artisans from all over Europe, specializing in re-enactor equipment;
• Performances by jesters, musicians, and medieval music concerts;
• Scenes of daily life depicting how people lived and fought between 1380 and 1410;
• Taverns and refreshment stands with themed cuisine throughout the event.

The Setting

The unique setting is provided by the Bastions, particularly the Bastione San Martino in Terra del Sole, the famous "city of the sun" commissioned by the Medici as a border stronghold of Romagna Toscana. This Renaissance scenario, a rare example of a purpose-built fortress city, enhances the evocative power of the re-enactment and makes it an ideal destination for families, history enthusiasts, and the curious.

An International Event

The event, organised by the Compagnia d'arme delle 13 porte (Company of Arms of the 13 Gates) together with the Pro Loco Terra del Sole and the Borgo Romano association, attracts historical groups from all over Italy and abroad, with hundreds of participants in total. Due to the quality of the reconstruction and its setting, A.D. 1387 is now a benchmark event for the re-enactment scene in Emilia-Romagna.