Medieval Dinner

A banquet in the heart of the medieval village

Every summer, the charming monumental square of Castell'Arquato, in the province of Piacenza, provides the backdrop for the Medieval Dinner, one of Emilia-Romagna's most beloved events for those who want to relive the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Now in its 41st edition in 2026, the event recreates an authentic period banquet: a large horseshoe-shaped table occupies the square, and guests sit on one side to watch the show unfolding in the center.

Flavors and Piacenza tradition

The heart of the evening is the table. Waiters dressed in period costumes serve a rich menu of Piacenza's gastronomic tradition: DOP cured meats, typical first courses like tortelli with a tail and pisarei e fasò, a meat second course, and finally dessert, all accompanied by DOC wines from the Colli Piacentini. It's a journey into the authentic flavors of the region, designed to recreate the convivial experience of a true medieval banquet.

Show and re-enactment

While diners have their meal, the square comes alive with live performances: flag-wavers, a historical procession, musicians with period instruments, dancers, fire-eaters, and jesters entertain throughout the evening. The re-enactment evokes figures and atmospheres linked to the Sforza family, lords who marked the village's history, and transforms the dinner into a true historical re-enactment show.

Castell'Arquato, a medieval treasure chest

The event draws strength from the unique context in which it takes place. Castell'Arquato is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Italy, dominated by the Visconti Fortress, the Palazzo del Podestà, and the Romanesque Collegiata. Dining in this setting, under the Emilia summer stars, means fully immersing oneself in the spirit of the Middle Ages, amidst history, gastronomy, and popular tradition.

An event not to be missed

• Open-air banquet in the monumental square of the Municipality of Castell'Arquato
• Typical Piacenza menu with wines from the Colli Piacentini
• Performances by flag-wavers, jesters, musicians, and dancers
• Advance booking required, limited seating