Avenza Medievale

A journey into the Middle Ages beneath the Torre di Castruccio

Avenza Medievale is the historical re-enactment that brings the village of Avenza—a bustling district in the municipality of Carrara, in the province of Massa-Carrara, Tuscany—back in time every summer. For two July evenings, the streets and squares of the historic center come alive with costumed figures, encampments, merchants, and performances, reviving the atmosphere of the 13th century at the foot of the famous Torre di Castruccio Castracani, the ancient fortification that watches over the village along the Via Francigena.

The Event

Promoted and organized by the Pro Loco Avenza sulla Francigena, the re-enactment has established itself over the years as one of the most anticipated events of the Carrara summer. The program combines philological attention to historical reconstruction with the joy of a popular festival: an immersive journey through via Menconi, the garden of Casa Pellini, piazza Finelli, piazza Lucetti, and piazza della Scuderia, each animated by scenes, shows, and workshops.

What to Expect

• Historical pageants and costume parades featuring ladies, knights, and commoners;
• Military encampments and re-enactments of 13th-century daily life;
• Duels, combat, and medieval fencing;
• Jesters, minstrels, and musicians performing historical dances and live music;
• Fire-eaters, jugglers, and street artists, with fire shows late into the evening;
• Medieval market and artisan workshops, with demonstrations of ancient crafts like dyeing and weaving;
• Workshops and wooden games for children, making it a festival suitable for the whole family;
• Taverns and food stalls serving traditional dishes and drinks.

A Village, A History

The choice of Avenza is no coincidence: the village owes its layout to the Lucchese leader Castruccio Castracani, who turned it into a defensive stronghold in the 14th century. The surviving tower, now the symbol of the district, serves as a natural backdrop for an event that weaves together local identity, heritage preservation, and popular tradition. For two nights, Avenza becomes an open-air stage where residents and visitors share the same magic of the past.

Who is it for?

Avenza Medievale is a festival designed for everyone: history and re-enactment enthusiasts, families with children, curious visitors, and tourists vacationing on the Apuan Riviera. Admission is free, and the evening format, running from sunset until midnight, makes it ideal for a summer stroll filled with music, lights, and medieval scents.