Alla Corte di Macalda

A medieval re-enactment in the heart of the Messina area

Alla Corte di Macalda is one of the most evocative events in the Sicilian calendar of historical re-enactments. It takes place in Scaletta Zanclea, a small village on the Ionian coast in the province of Messina, and for one day, it transforms the streets of the historic center into a grand medieval procession of ladies and knights in period costume. The heart of the event is the splendid Castello Rufo Ruffo, a fortress of Swabian origin that overlooks the village and guards the memory of its protagonist.

Who was Macalda di Scaletta

The event is dedicated to Macalda di Scaletta, one of the most fascinating and controversial female figures of the Sicilian Middle Ages. Living in the 13th century between the Angevin and Aragonese periods, wife of the nobleman Alaimo da Lentini, she was an Amazon, a skilled swordswoman, and a protagonist of the Sicilian Vespers of 1282. She is remembered as the first chess player on the island and, due to her indomitable character, has been called the "Joan of Arc of Sicily." Her story, suspended between legend and history, gives the re-enactment its name and soul.

The historical pageant

The highlight is the pageant "The Noble Sicilian Houses at the Court of Macalda": characters in period clothing belonging to Sicilian noble families set off from Piazza Croce and cross the streets of Scaletta Superiore, ideally evoking the passage of Frederick II of Swabia, until they reach the Castello Rufo Ruffo. Along the route and in the castle courtyard, the public can enjoy:

• performances by flag-wavers and musicians;
• demonstrations by archers and falconers;
• period dances and costume performances;
• a re-enactment of the life of Donna Macalda;
• the performance of the ballad "Macalda, signura di Scaletta", reinterpreted by Fabio Foti.

Organization and tradition

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Scaletta Zanclea, with the patronage of the Municipality and the Regional Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment of the Sicilian Region. Historical groups and delegations from all over Sicily reach Scaletta to bring to life an event that combines historical research, entertainment, and the promotion of local heritage. The procession is traditionally held in September and attracts visitors, medieval enthusiasts, and the curious to the village overlooking the Strait.

A village to discover

Beyond the re-enactment, Scaletta Zanclea offers the setting of the Castello Rufo Ruffo and a privileged position on the Ionian coast of Messina, just a few kilometers from Messina and Taormina. Visiting the village during Alla Corte di Macalda means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Sicily in one of the most characteristic places in the area.