Assalto al Castello

Five days in the Renaissance, in the heart of Sabina

During the first week of August, the small village of Contigliano Alta, perched on a hill at the foot of the Sabini Mountains in the province of Rieti, transforms into a 16th-century settlement. The Assalto al Castello is one of the most popular historical re-enactments in inland Lazio: for several consecutive evenings, the alleys and squares of the upper town fill with taverns, workshops, men-at-arms, ladies, musicians, and jesters, while the local residents dress in the clothes of their ancestors.

The history: the 1501 siege by Vitellozzo Vitelli

The event commemorates a real historical episode: on August 7, 1501, the village was attacked and looted by the mercenary troops of the warlord Vitellozzo Vitelli. From that dramatic event, the community has forged a story of identity and rebirth, which is still relived every summer with pageants, duels, and a simulation of the assault on the walls. The re-enactment, which began in the 1980s, has surpassed forty editions and is organized by the Pro Loco of Contigliano with the support of the Municipality, the Province of Rieti, and the Lazio Region.

The re-enactment program

The days begin with the historical pageant and the arrival of Vitellozzo Vitelli's troops, accompanied by flag-wavers. Every evening, the village comes to life with roving performances of medieval music, fire-eaters, bagpipes, and falconry, alongside the historical market, the archers' camp, and artisan workshops. There are also historical lectures dedicated to the Renaissance and free guided tours through the streets of the center, telling the story of Contigliano and its collegiate church.

The Palio dell'Ariete

The most anticipated moment is the Palio dell'Ariete, which takes place on the evening of August 7th, the anniversary of the siege. Teams from the districts, each consisting of six bearers, compete in a race along the steep climb leading to the Porta de' Santi: a test of strength and speed that determines the winning district and brings the week of the re-enactment to a festive close.

Taverns, workshops, and medieval atmosphere

Beyond the spectacle, the Assalto al Castello is also a journey into the flavors of yesteryear. The taverns set up in the village offer dishes inspired by 16th-century cuisine, while the artisan workshops and the historical market reconstruct the daily life of five centuries ago. The evening torchlight illumination, music, and costumes make the atmosphere of the upper town particularly evocative.

Contigliano and the Province of Rieti

The Municipality of Contigliano is located in the Province of Rieti, in Lazio, on the southwestern edge of the Piana Reatina, just a few kilometers from the provincial capital. Its historic center, with the scenic Collegiate Church of San Michele Arcangelo, provides the ideal setting for a re-enactment that combines memory, popular tradition, and slow tourism in the so-called Valle Santa of Rieti.