Assedio di Asola
The historical reenactment of the 1516 siege, in the province of Mantua
About Assedio di Asola
Asola relives the 1516 siege
The Assedio di Asola is the grand historical reenactment that every year, at the end of September, brings Asola, a town in the plains of the province of Mantua, back to the Renaissance era. The event commemorates the events that occurred between March 16 and 19, 1516, when the city strenuously resisted the attack of the imperial army of Maximilian I of Habsburg, led by Rizino d'Asola at the head of one hundred lances, finally forcing the emperor to retreat towards Tyrol.
A historic village for three days
During the reenactment, the Giardini del Chiese and the historic centre of Asola are transformed into a medieval and Renaissance village: encampments, a historical market, taverns with traditional cuisine, entertainment, and shows accompany the public throughout the day. The most solemn moment is the historical procession towards Piazza XX Settembre, with costumed participants.
Palio, challenge, and competitions
The event features a real competition between the city's districts (contrade):
- the Disfida delle Contrade (District Challenge) with its award ceremony
- the Palio dei Piccoli (Children's Palio), dedicated to the younger ones
- the archery competition
- the historical cooking competition
A tradition curated by La Quadra
The event is organised by the Associazione Culturale La Quadra, founded in 2009 and dedicated to promoting Asola's history and identity. With its participants, encampments, and shows, the Assedio di Asola has become an unmissable autumn event in Mantua, capable of combining historical accuracy and popular celebration.
Assedio di Asola — edition 2026
The 41st edition of the Assedio di Asola is scheduled for late September 2026, continuing from the 40th edition held in 2025.
The reenactment of the 1516 siege animates the Giardini del Chiese and the historic centre of Asola for three days, transforming them into a historic village with encampments, a market, taverns, entertainment, and shows. The programme traditionally includes the historical procession to Piazza XX Settembre, the Disfida delle Contrade, the Palio dei Piccoli, archery competitions, and historical cooking competitions. The precise dates and detailed programme are published by the Associazione La Quadra on the website laquadradiasola.it.
Programme Assedio di Asola 2026
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition, with dates and times, will be published by the Associazione La Quadra on the website laquadradiasola.it. Following the pattern of previous editions, the typical structure of the reenactment includes:
- Friday — Evening theatrical performance at the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea
- Saturday — Opening of the historic village at the Giardini del Chiese (from 10 am), with entertainment, shows, and traditional cuisine throughout the day
- Sunday — Opening of the village, historical procession to Piazza XX Settembre in the afternoon, Palio dei Piccoli, and award ceremony for the Disfida delle Contrade, historical cooking, and archery competitions
Highlights Assedio di Asola 2026
The historical procession to Piazza XX Settembre, the Disfida delle Contrade, and the Renaissance encampments at the Giardini del Chiese are the highlights of the reenactment.
Prices Assedio di Asola 2026
Practical information — Assedio di Asola
How to get there
Asola can be reached by car from the SP ex SS343 Asolana, halfway between Mantua and Brescia. The nearest train stations are Carpenedolo and Castiglione delle Stiviere.
Admission
Free admission. During the event, traffic restrictions and parking bans are in place in the centre.
Contacts
Associazione Culturale La Quadra, email [email protected]. Detailed programme on the website laquadradiasola.it.
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Where does it take place — Assedio di Asola
Giardini del Chiese e Piazza XX Settembre, Asola
Piazza XX Settembre, 46041 Asola