A Renaissance re-enactment in the lands of Il Pomarancio, marking the 400th anniversary of Cristoforo Roncalli's death.
Convivium Pomarance AD 1626 is a Renaissance re-enactment that transports the historic center of Pomarance, in the heart of the Val di Cecina in the province of Pisa (Tuscany), back to the era of Cristoforo Roncalli, known as Il Pomarancio. The event was established in 2026 as part of the 400th-anniversary commemorations (1626-2026) of one of Italy's leading painters between late Mannerism and the Counter-Reformation, who was active in Florence, Siena, Rome, and Loreto, yet remains inextricably linked to the village that gave him his artistic name.
For an entire day, the town's squares, streets, and landmarks are filled with figures in period costume, musicians, and drummers, while the crafts and activities that animated 17th-century Pomarance are brought to life. Art, history, tradition, and local flavors merge in an evocative journey designed for both adults and children.
The cultural core of Convivium is the opportunity to admire Cristoforo Roncalli's original masterpieces kept in the parish church, alongside contemporary works inspired by the Master displayed at the Savioli center and other locations throughout the village. The re-enactment is part of the extensive calendar of the «400° Roncalli il Pomarancio» project, promoted by a dedicated citizens' committee, which throughout 2026 featured conferences, exhibitions, a dedicated volume, and even a special philatelic cancellation by Poste Italiane.
Convivium is, above all, a community celebration. The initiative is promoted by the Pro Loco of Pomarance together with the Municipality, the districts of the town's Historical Palio, numerous associations and volunteer groups, and with the collaboration of the parish. The same districts that compete every September in the famous Historical Palio of the Districts of Pomarance showcase their costumes, pageants, and living tableaux here, confirming the village's deep-rooted passion for historical re-enactment and popular theater.
A young yet deeply identity-driven event, capable of uniting the memory of a great artist of the past with the vitality of a community that, as local news reported, carried on with the festival even despite the bad weather.
The inaugural edition of Convivium Pomarance AD 1626 took place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in the historic center of Pomarance, as part of the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the death of Cristoforo Roncalli, known as Il Pomarancio. Figures in costume represented the crafts and activities of the 17th century, accompanied by musicians and drummers, while the painter's original masterpieces were exhibited in the parish church.
The festival was promoted by the Pro Loco together with the Municipality, the Palio districts, and numerous volunteer associations, with the collaboration of the parish. Despite the rain, the community proved to be «stronger than the bad weather», as the local news reported, and the re-enactment was also the subject of a television special broadcast in mid-May.
The re-enactment took place throughout the day on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in the historic center of Pomarance, across squares, streets, and surrounding areas:
In the following days (starting from May 14), the 400th-anniversary celebrations continued with presentations, exhibitions, and theatrical performances in the town's theaters (Teatro dei Coraggiosi, Teatro de Larderel) and in the Church of the Misericordia.
The most powerful moments: the procession and living tableaux of the Palio districts in Renaissance costume, the exhibition of Il Pomarancio's original paintings in the parish church, and the 17th-century atmosphere recreated throughout the historic center.
Pomarance is located in the hinterland of the province of Pisa, in the Val di Cecina. By car from the coast, it can be reached via the SS68 from Cecina-Volterra; the nearest train stations are on the coastal line (Cecina) and Volterra-Saline, from where you can continue by bus or car. The reference airports are Pisa and Florence.
The re-enactment takes place in the public spaces of the historic center. For the updated program, times, and details, please contact the Pro Loco Pomarance (tel. +39 328 6932414, [email protected]) or visit the 400th-anniversary celebration website.
Wear comfortable shoes to move between the alleys and squares. Take advantage of the visit to admire the original works of Cristoforo Roncalli in the parish church and to discover the typical flavors of the Val di Cecina offered throughout the day.
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Centro storico di Pomarance