Cavalcata di Satriano
The horseback re-enactment of Saint Francis' last journey towards Assisi
About Cavalcata di Satriano
A re-enactment spanning eight centuries
The Cavalcata di Satriano is the historical horseback procession that, in Assisi (province of Perugia, in Umbria), re-enacts Saint Francis' last earthly journey. In the summer of 1226, the Saint, gravely ill, was in the territory of Nocera Umbra: according to tradition, the people of Assisi feared losing his remains and sent a troop of knights to bring him home. Along the way, the group stopped in the village of Satriano, where the inhabitants offered bread to the knights: the re-enactment takes its name from this episode.
From Fortini's foundation to today
The event was conceived in 1926 by Mayor and Franciscan scholar Arnaldo Fortini, on the occasion of the seventh centenary of the Saint's death. After an interruption due to the war years, the Cavalcata was permanently reinstated in 1980 and has been held annually ever since. It is currently coordinated by the Compagnia dei Cavalieri di Satriano with the support of the Umbria Region and the Municipalities of Assisi, Spello, Nocera Umbra, and Valtopina.
The route and the atmosphere
About eighty riders from all over Italy, in medieval attire, cross the territory between Nocera Umbra, Valtopina, Spello, and the Monte Subasio Park, passing through symbolic places like the chapel of Satriano before arriving in the historic centre of Assisi. Mounted units of the State police forces often participate. An event for lovers of history, traditional equestrianism, and the landscapes of the Umbrian Apennines.
Cavalcata di Satriano — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Cavalcata di Satriano takes on a special significance: it falls in the year of the eighth centenary of Saint Francis' death (1226-2026) and is part of the rich calendar of Franciscan celebrations in Assisi. The re-enactment is jointly promoted by the Municipalities of Assisi, Spello, Nocera Umbra, and Valtopina.
For the centenary, an expanded version of the event is planned, involving mounted units of the armed forces and state law enforcement agencies.
Programme Cavalcata di Satriano 2026
Sunday, September 6, 2026
The Cavalcata retraces the traditional itinerary from the territory of Nocera Umbra to Assisi, crossing Valtopina, Spello, and the Monte Subasio Park.
- Gathering of the riders and departure from the territory of Nocera Umbra
- Passage through the historical stages of the route (including the chapel of Satriano)
- Arrival in the historic centre of Assisi
For the 2026 centenary, the participation of mounted units of the State Police, Carabinieri, Forestry Carabinieri, and other mounted units is announced. Detailed times and passage points will be published by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Cavalcata di Satriano 2026
Prices Cavalcata di Satriano 2026
Practical information — Cavalcata di Satriano
How to get there
Assisi is reachable by train (Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli station, then bus to the centre) and by car from the SS75 (Ospedalicchio exit) or the E45. The procession starts in the territory of Nocera Umbra, while the arrival is in Assisi.
Tips
The event unfolds over an entire day and covers stretches of countryside and paths on Monte Subasio: to follow it live, it is advisable to inquire in advance about the passage points at the Assisi tourist office.
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Where does it take place — Cavalcata di Satriano
Centro storico di Assisi e Parco del Monte Subasio