Bolsena 1328 - Medieval Days

Bolsena returns to the Middle Ages

Bolsena 1328 - Medieval Days is the grand historical re-enactment that brings the village of Bolsena, in the province of Viterbo, back to the atmosphere of the 14th century every summer. In the heart of the Rione Castello district, at the foot of the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, the historic center is adorned with period costumes, banners, artisan stalls, and taverns to help visitors relive a decisive episode in its history.

The history: the siege of 1328

The event commemorates the year 1328, when the army of Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria, known as the Bavarian, repeatedly attempted to storm the city walls. The people of Bolsena repelled the assaults with courage and determination, forcing the sovereign to retreat. This collective memory forms the spirit of the festival, organized by the Aps Bolsena A.D. 1328 association with the patronage of the Municipality of Bolsena.

The parade and the Battle of the Fortress

The most anticipated moment is the historical parade, which winds through the Rione Castello and the historic center with ladies, knights, men-at-arms, commoners, and groups in medieval attire. Late in the evening, the "Battle of the Fortress" takes place, a spectacular reconstruction of the final assault by the imperial troops, featuring armed combat, fire shows, and dramatic effects that ignite the square beneath the Monaldeschi fortress.

Performances, street arts, and crafts

Throughout the event, the streets of the village come alive with roaming performances: flag-wavers and musicians, swordsmen, archers, jugglers, fire-eaters, stilt-walkers, dancers, and street theater troupes. There are also encampments, traditional craft stalls, and demonstrations of daily medieval life, making the event suitable for families and children alike.

Taverns and the flavors of Tuscia

• Food stalls and taverns open from late afternoon
• Traditional peasant dishes from the Viterbo Tuscia area
• Typical products from the Lake Bolsena region, from lake fish to local cuisine
• Wines and specialties from northern Lazio

A village on the lake, in Lazio

Set in one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, "Bolsena 1328" combines the evocative power of a re-enactment with the charm of a historic center overlooking the largest volcanic lake in Europe. The event is now a staple of the Viterbo summer and one of the premier medieval events in the Lazio Region, drawing visitors from across the Tuscia area and nearby Umbria.