Castiglione di Garfagnana Medieval Festival

A village returning to the Middle Ages

The Castiglione di Garfagnana Medieval Festival is one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in the upper province of Lucca, in the heart of the Garfagnana region. For two days, the fortified village, still enclosed by its ancient walls and towers, transforms into a 14th-century settlement: knights, nobles, commoners, merchants, and artisans bring the atmosphere of a bygone era to life, filling the alleys, squares, and the area around the fortress.

The origins of the re-enactment

The event was established in the summer of 2000 and has quickly become a tradition eagerly awaited throughout the Garfagnana. The festival celebrates the town's history, particularly its bond with the Republic of Lucca, of which Castiglione was long a fortified outpost. Fittingly, the most solemn moment of the pageant is the oath of allegiance to the Republic, re-enacted annually before the spectators.

What to see in the village

The heart of the festival is the grand historical pageant featuring nobles, soldiers, and commoners in costume, accompanied by flag-wavers and drummers. There is no shortage of knights' duels, crossbowman demonstrations, and military camps, which can be visited at the foot of the fortress, near the church of San Pietro, and at the Torricella bastion overlooking the village. Along the streets, you will find traditional craft workshops, merchant stalls, and nightly entertainment with witches, minstrels, bandits, jesters, and games of old.

Medieval flavors

A key part of the festival is the food: the taverns set up in the alleys of the center offer traditional dishes, local wine, craft beer, and typical products from Castiglione. Among the most popular experiences are the medieval dinners held in the alleys and beneath the fortress, for which booking is recommended due to high demand.

Castiglione di Garfagnana and its surroundings

Castiglione di Garfagnana is a small municipality in the province of Lucca, in Tuscany, nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Its walled village, one of the best-preserved in the valley, provides a natural backdrop for the festival, making the re-enactment a perfect opportunity to discover one of the most authentic corners of the Garfagnana, far from the beaten tourist path.