Anniversary of the Battle of Lodi Bridge – Napoleonic Re-enactment
Lodi re-enacts the Napoleonic battle of 1796
About Battle of Lodi Bridge
Lodi and Napoleon
On May 10, 1796, French troops led by Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the bridge over the Adda River in Lodi, the capital of the Lombard province of the same name. The Battle of Lodi Bridge is remembered as one of the foundational episodes of the Napoleonic legend, and the city celebrates it every year with a historical re-enactment that brings its atmosphere back to life.
Re-enactors, Parades, and Spectacle
The heart of the event is the historical re-enactment at Isola Carolina Park, where dozens of re-enactors from all over Italy and France recreate scenes of battle, encampments, and moments of military life in period costume. Parades, conferences, guided tours, and exhibitions that delve into the historical context of the Italian Campaign revolve around the central event.
Exhibitions and European Memory
The anniversary is also an opportunity to inaugurate exhibitions dedicated to the Napoleonic era, with prints, documents, and memorabilia, and to strengthen Lodi's ties with the European network of Napoleonic Cities. Between institutional events, spectacular moments, and inclusive cultural initiatives, the re-enactment involves the entire city in a celebration that intertwines local identity and European history.
Battle of Lodi Bridge — edition 2026
The 2026 edition celebrates the 230th anniversary of the Battle of Lodi Bridge, fought on May 10, 1796. The celebrations take place from May 8 to 10, with the historical re-enactment at Isola Carolina Park bringing together 150-180 re-enactors from all over Italy and France. The program includes Lodi's entry into the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities, a gala dinner, conferences, an inclusive Napoleonic tour, and the inauguration of the exhibition of Napoleonic prints at the Museum of Printing. The event is organized by the Municipality of Lodi with free admission (excluding the gala dinner).
Programme Battle of Lodi Bridge 2026
Friday, May 8
- 6:30 PM — Lodi's entry into the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities (BCC Centropadana, Corso Roma 100)
- 8:00 PM — Napoleonic gala dinner at the Maria Cosway Foundation (by reservation, minimum fee €50)
Saturday, May 9
- 10:00 AM — Exhibition of historical documents "Ambition is Needed" with three dispatches signed by Napoleon (Biblioteca Laudense)
- 3:00 PM — Inclusive Napoleonic tour led by young people with autism spectrum disorder, ending at the Maria Cosway Foundation
- 5:00 PM — Historical re-enactment at Isola Carolina Park (150-180 re-enactors from Italy and France)
Sunday, May 10
- 4:00 PM — Conference and inauguration of the exhibition of Napoleonic prints at the Museum of Printing
Exhibition
- "Napoleonic Prints" open from May 10 to June 15
Highlights Battle of Lodi Bridge 2026
Prices Battle of Lodi Bridge 2026
Practical information — Battle of Lodi Bridge
Where
Isola Carolina Park and various locations in the historic centre of Lodi (LO).
When
Around May 10, the anniversary of the battle.
How to get there
Lodi is served by a train station on the Milan-Bologna line and is reachable by car from the A1 motorway (Lodi exit).
Admission
Free admission to all events, except for the gala dinner which requires booking.
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Where does it take place — Battle of Lodi Bridge
Parco Isola Carolina e centro storico
Parco Isola Carolina, 26900 Lodi