Agosto-Settembre Gualdese
Ten days in the Middle Ages: the Monte, Pieve, and Rocca districts challenge each other in the Palio dell'Arrampicata
About Agosto-Settembre Gualdese
Gualdo Cattaneo Returns to the Middle Ages
Overlooking the hills between Foligno and Todi, the fortified village of Gualdo Cattaneo, in the province of Perugia, owes its fame to the mighty Rocca dei Borgia (Rocca Sonora). Every year, at the end of summer, the village relives its medieval identity with the Agosto-Settembre Gualdese, one of Umbria's longest-running historical reenactments, spread over ten days.
The Three Districts Compete
The heart of the event is the competition between the village's three contrade (districts) — Monte, Pieve, and Rocca — which vie for the palio in a series of medieval-themed contests: medieval carts, archery, barrel racing. The most anticipated moment is the Palio dell'Arrampicata, which closes the festival: each district fields a team of carriers who, holding a scale reproduction of the Rocca on their shoulders, must race through the village streets to the main square. The district that first places its tower amid the cheers of the crowd wins.
Parades, Taverns, and Shows
The evenings are enlivened by the historical parade, with district participants, ladies, knights, musicians, dancers, and jesters, by the taverns where you can taste traditional Gualdo dishes and excellent local wines, by fireworks displays, and by reenactments of medieval life along the alleys of the historic center.
Why It's Worth the Trip
Among Umbria's medieval reenactments, the Agosto-Settembre Gualdese combines district competition, the backdrop of an authentic fortified village, and local cuisine: a complete immersion in the Umbrian Middle Ages just a few kilometers from Montefalco and the Strada del Sagrantino wine route.
Agosto-Settembre Gualdese — edition 2026
For its 50th edition, from August 27 to September 3, 2026, Agosto-Settembre Gualdese renews the challenge between the three districts of the village — Monte, Pieve, and Rocca. Ten days of medieval atmosphere with medieval carts, archery, barrel racing, and, as the grand finale, the Palio dell'Arrampicata, where carriers race through the village streets carrying a reproduction of the Rocca dei Borgia. Historical parades, taverns with Gualdo cuisine, fireworks displays, and reenactments of medieval life animate the evenings.
Programme Agosto-Settembre Gualdese 2026
The complete daily program for the 50th edition will be published by the Pro Loco of Gualdo Cattaneo in the weeks preceding the event. The established structure of the event includes, over the ten days (August 27 – September 3):
- Opening — Inauguration, opening of the district taverns, and initial reenactments of medieval life in the historic center.
- Central Days — Competitions between the Monte, Pieve, and Rocca districts: medieval carts, archery, barrel racing; historical parade with ladies, knights, musicians, and jesters; fireworks displays.
- Final Day — Palio dell'Arrampicata: carriers from each district race through the village streets carrying the reproduction of the Rocca dei Borgia to the main square; proclamation of the winning district.
Specific dates and times for individual events will be announced on the official channels.
Highlights Agosto-Settembre Gualdese 2026
Prices Agosto-Settembre Gualdese 2026
Practical information — Agosto-Settembre Gualdese
How to Get There
Gualdo Cattaneo is located in the province of Perugia, between Foligno, Bevagna, Montefalco, and Todi. By car: from the E45 or SS3 Flaminia (Foligno exit), follow signs for Gualdo Cattaneo. The festival takes place in the historic center.
Taverns and Gastronomy
The district taverns offer traditional Umbrian dishes on all evenings.
Tips
The Palio dell'Arrampicata takes place on the last day of the event: arrive early to watch the race through the village streets.
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Where does it take place — Agosto-Settembre Gualdese
Centro storico di Gualdo Cattaneo