Barbarossa Festival
The medieval historical re-enactment of San Quirico d'Orcia, in the Val d'Orcia
About Barbarossa Festival
A re-enactment alive since 1962
The Barbarossa Festival is the grand historical re-enactment of San Quirico d'Orcia, a stunning village in the Val d'Orcia in the province of Siena, Tuscany. Since 1962, the town has commemorated, on the third weekend of June, the historic passage of Emperor Frederick I of Hohenstaufen, known as Barbarossa, and specifically the 1155 meeting with the envoys sent by Pope Adrian IV—an episode that took place right near the village along the Via Francigena.
The four Quartieri
At the heart of the festival are the four Quartieri into which the town is divided: Borgo, Canneti, Castello, and Prato. Throughout the year, the inhabitants prepare for the challenges and processions; during the festival days, each Quartiere opens its own tavern, hosts propitiatory dinners, and fields its own flag-wavers, drummers, and archers in the competitions that award the coveted Emperor's Pitchers.
Processions, competitions, and living tradition
The program alternates between solemn moments and tests of skill: the Candle Procession with the offering of candles in the Church of San Francesco, the Barbarossa de' Citti reserved for the youngest participants (under 14), and on Sunday, the grand historical pageant in medieval costume that re-enacts the 1155 meeting, followed by the flag-waving and archery competitions in the Renaissance setting of the Horti Leonini, San Quirico's famous 16th-century Italian-style garden.
The Emperor's Pitchers
The festival trophies are the Emperor's Pitchers, ceramic works of art created each year by master potters. The 2026 edition features pitchers dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis, signed by the famous cartoonist Emilio Giannelli and crafted by the Potters' Guild of the Nobile Contrada del Nicchio.
A village to discover
The festival is also the perfect opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany: the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta, the Horti Leonini, Palazzo Chigi, and the unmistakable landscapes of the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Organized by the Ente Autonomo Barbarossa together with the Municipality of San Quirico d'Orcia, the event is one of the most beloved appointments in the calendar of Sienese historical re-enactments.
Barbarossa Festival — edition 2026
The 64th edition of the Barbarossa Festival brings San Quirico d'Orcia to life from Wednesday, June 17, to Sunday, June 21, 2026. The Val d'Orcia village re-enacts the 1155 meeting between Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa and the envoys of Pope Adrian IV, featuring costumed processions, tests of skill for flag-wavers, drummers, and archers, and the grand final challenge between the four Quartieri for the conquest of the Emperor's Pitchers.
Programme Barbarossa Festival 2026
Wednesday, June 17
- 21:30 — Official presentation of the Emperor's Pitchers in the Alessandro Magno Hall of Palazzo Chigi (edition dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis, signed by Emilio Giannelli with the Potters' Guild of the Nobile Contrada del Nicchio).
- Following, in Piazza della Libertà, awarding of the "Orfeo 2025" prize for the best extra in the historical pageant of the last edition.
Thursday, June 18
- 21:45 — Church of San Francesco: Candle Procession, offering of candles, and blessing of flag-wavers, drummers, and archers.
Friday, June 19
- Evening of propitiatory dinners in the heart of the four Quartieri (Borgo, Canneti, Castello, Prato).
Saturday, June 20
- 17:00 — Start of the Barbarossa de' Citti procession: youth competitions (under 14) for flag-wavers, drummers, and archers.
- In the evening, dinners in the Quartieri taverns and celebrations for the victorious districts.
Sunday, June 21
- 11:00 — Church of San Francesco: Quartieri Mass; following, in Piazza della Libertà, drawing of the order for the afternoon flag-waver challenges and pairing of the archers.
- 12:30 — Opening of the Quartieri taverns.
- 16:00 — Grand historical pageant in costume and re-enactment of the 1155 meeting.
- 17:30 — Flag-waving and archery competitions in the Horti Leonini, with the awarding of the Emperor's Pitchers and final celebrations.
Highlights Barbarossa Festival 2026
Prices Barbarossa Festival 2026
Practical information — Barbarossa Festival
How to get there
San Quirico d'Orcia is located along the SR2 Cassia road, in the province of Siena. By car: from the A1 motorway, take the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme or Valdichiana exit, then follow the SR2 towards Siena. By train: the reference stations are Chiusi-Chianciano Terme or Buonconvento, with onward travel by bus. Nearest airport: Florence Peretola.
Admission
Access to the processions and competitions in the historic center and to the Horti Leonini is free. Dinners in the Quartieri taverns require payment, and reservations are recommended.
Tips
The historic center is pedestrianized during the festival: park in the spaces just outside the walls. Take advantage of your stay to explore the Val d'Orcia and the nearby villages of Pienza, Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni.
Contacts
Ente Autonomo Barbarossa — [email protected]. Municipality of San Quirico d'Orcia, Piazza Chigi 2 — tel. +39 0577 899711.
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Where does it take place — Barbarossa Festival
Centro storico e Horti Leonini
Centro storico, 53027 San Quirico d'Orcia