A Day in the Fortress of Forlimpopoli

The XLVII edition of the Forlimpopoli Renaissance festival was held from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, enlivening the Ordelaffa Fortress and the historic center. The program combined historical exhibitions and meetings, market and Renaissance games, tournaments in the Fortress moat, and the grand Sunday pageant dedicated to the return of Count Brunoro II Zampeschi. Organized by Pro Loco Forlimpopoli with the patronage of the Municipality, the event confirmed its free admission formula.

Friday, May 22

• 7:00 PM — Exhibition Hall: inauguration of the exhibition "Fortresses and Castles of Emilia-Romagna", with scale reproductions of five regional fortifications (curated by Silvio Servadei). Exhibition open until the end of the event, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• 7:15 PM — Council Hall: "Romagna in an Hour — From the Fortress of Forlimpopoli to the History of the Renaissance", curated by Marco Santandrea (La torre dell'orologio), with tasting. Cost €15, reservation required.

Saturday, May 23

• 3:30 PM — Fortress Moat: archery range for children and Children's Palio Games (tug-of-war, beam race, historical football, Saracen joust).
• 4:00 PM — Inner Courtyard of the Fortress: Renaissance market and games; workshop "The Secret Seal" (ages 4-10, reservation required).
• 4:30 PM — Piazza Garibaldi: opening of the Hostaria del Pellegrino.
• 5:00 PM — Fortress Moat: Palio Games for adults (tug-of-war, beam race, historical football, axe and flag throwing).
• 9:00 PM — Fortress Moat: Compagnia dei Lupi Feudi, educational session on medieval hunting, myths, and legends.
• 9:30 PM — Fortress Moat: "The Battle of the Flags" between the four districts.
• 10:15 PM — Fortress Moat: "ALCHEMY – The Supreme Fire", show with special effects and fiery elements.

Sunday, May 24

• 11:30 AM — Church of San Rufillo: Holy Mass with offering of candles and blessing of the banners.
• 3:30 PM — Fortress Moat: opening of the archery range for younger children.
• 4:00 PM — Inner Courtyard of the Fortress: market and historical games; workshop "Build Your Own Fortress" (reservation required).
• 4:30 PM — Piazza Garibaldi: opening of the Hostaria del Pellegrino.
• 5:30 PM — Piazza Garibaldi and Fortress Moat: the pageant welcomes Count Brunoro II Zampeschi returning from France, with a falconry show, procession of gifts, armed duels, flag-wavers, drummers, and jesters.
• 9:00 PM — Fortress Moat: "STRUGGLE FOR THE CROWN", knightly tournament with warriors in duels, betrayals, and plot twists.

Where

Ordelaffa Fortress and historic center of Forlimpopoli (FC), Emilia-Romagna. Events take place in the moat and courtyard of the Fortress, Piazza Garibaldi, the Church of San Rufillo, and the historic halls of the town center.

When

Three days at the end of May, from Friday to Sunday.

Admission and Reservations

Free admission to all events. Some activities (children's workshops, dinner-tasting, Hostaria del Pellegrino) require reservations at +39 347 5635534 or [email protected].

How to Get Here

Forlimpopoli is located along the Via Emilia (SS9), between Forlì and Cesena, easily accessible by car from the A14 highway exit of Forlì or Cesena, and by train at the Forlimpopoli-Bertinoro station.