Duke's Festival
The grand Renaissance re-enactment of the Montefeltro court in Urbino
About Festa del Duca
Federico's Court Revives in Urbino
For four days during Ferragosto, the historic center of Urbino — a Renaissance jewel and UNESCO World Heritage site, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche) — travels back in time to the 15th century, to the splendid era when Federico da Montefeltro made his city one of Europe's cultural capitals. The Festa del Duca, established in 1982, is now one of Italy's most important Renaissance re-enactments, recognized by the Ministry of Culture among the nation's major historical events.
A Historic Center Transformed into a Stage
Ladies and knights in Renaissance attire, flag-wavers, musicians, jesters, jugglers, and fire-eaters fill the streets and squares of the ducal city. Between Piazza Duca Federico, Piazza Rinascimento, Piazza della Repubblica, the Courtyard of Honor of Palazzo Ducale, and Borgo Mercatale, dozens of shows unfold: court dances, madrigals, Renaissance magic, archery tournaments, historical fencing schools, and 15th-century tales. There's also the Festa del Duca dei Bambini (Duke's Festival for Children), with games, workshops, and activities designed for the little ones.
The Grand Historical Parade and the Giuoco dell'Aita
The heart of the event is the Grand Historical Parade, one of the most impressive processions in the Italian re-enactment scene, with over 400 costumed participants parading through the center to re-enact the events of the Feltre court. Closing the days is the Giuoco dell'Aita, an ancient martial challenge in a water arena between Nobles and Commoners at Borgo Mercatale, a game commissioned centuries ago by the Duke for his soldiers' entertainment and now the most anticipated and spectacular moment of the festival.
A Festival for the Entire City
The Festa del Duca is organized by the association Ars Urbino Ducale with the Municipality of Urbino and involves districts, associations, and historical groups from the entire territory. With free admission to all events, it's the ideal opportunity to discover or rediscover one of the most beautiful cities in the Marche in its most evocative guise, amidst art, history, and popular tradition.
Festa del Duca — edition 2026
The 44th edition of the Duke's Festival (Festa del Duca) brings Urbino to life from August 11th to 14th, 2026, with around 150 events held across the historic city center and the Ducal Palace. Highlights include the "Giovanni Santi – Communicators of Values" Award, the Duke's Joust (Giostra del Duca) featuring ten knights, the Grand Historical Procession with over 400 participants, and the Great Game of Aita at Borgo Mercatale. Free admission.
The 44th edition of the Festa del Duca takes place in Urbino from August 11th to 14th, 2026, with free admission to all events. The historic center hosts street performances, historical fencing, archery tournaments, jesters, musicians, and jugglers for four days, in addition to the eight "Ducal Tales" events with artists, musicians, and storytellers. The evening program revolves around Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Duca Federico, and Borgo Mercatale, with the Grand Historical Parade and the Giuoco dell'Aita as the highlights.
Programme Festa del Duca 2026
Tuesday, August 11
- 5:30 PM — Ducal Palace. Presentation of the 2026 "Giovanni Santi: Communicators of Values" Award to historian and writer Marcello Simonetta, featuring the bronze work "The Broken Javelin" by artist Pino Mascia.
- 9:00 PM — Ducal Palace Courtyard of Honor. Theatrical reading of "Agapito," featuring Fabio Troiano and Violante Placido.
Wednesday, August 12
- Borgo Mercatale Square. "Duke's Joust (Giostra del Duca)," featuring ten knights from the Montefeltro region; commentary provided by Gene Gnocchi.
- Ducal Palace. Meetings with Maura Melis, Pietro Barsotti, and Francesco Righi; concert by the Early Music Ensemble.
Thursday, August 13
- 4:30 PM — Ducal Palace. Presentation of illustrations from the novel "The Court of Poisons" by Giovanni Volponi, curated by the Art High School with principal Lucia Nonni and teacher Alessandra Giuliani.
- Presentation of the Giovanni Santi Award, "Digital Storytellers" section, to Edoardo Prati.
- "From Renaissance to Baroque" concert by the Student Chamber Orchestra and gala concert by the Montefeltro Wind Orchestra.
Friday, August 14
- Borgo Mercatale Arena. "Great Game of Aita," the ancient sport played in Urbino for nearly two centuries, now twinned with Cádiz.
- Flag blessing ceremony at the Cathedral.
- 6:30 PM — Ducal Palace Courtyard of Honor. Operatic concert "A Renaissance of Belcanto."
- Renaissance-style fireworks to close the festival.
Daily
Eleven street performer troupes—jugglers, acrobats, musicians, and flag-wavers—bring the historic center to life, alongside the Ancient Duke's Fair featuring merchants and artisans, archery and historical fencing tournaments, and taverns. Historical games and children's shows take place daily from 5:00 PM. The Grand Historical Procession, with over 400 participants in Renaissance costumes, parades through the city streets, recreating the Urbino court and delegations from neighboring and distant lordships.
Highlights Festa del Duca 2026
- 2026 "Giovanni Santi – Communicators of Values" Award to Marcello Simonetta, August 11 at 5:30 PM at the Ducal Palace
- Duke's Joust with ten knights from Montefeltro on August 12 at Borgo Mercatale, commentary by Gene Gnocchi
- Great Game of Aita on August 14 at the Borgo Mercatale Arena, twinned with Cádiz
- Grand Historical Procession with over 400 participants
- Approximately 150 events over four days, free admission
Prices Festa del Duca 2026
Practical information — Festa del Duca
How to Get Here
By car: from the A14 motorway, take the Pesaro-Urbino exit, then the SS423 to Urbino (approx. 35 km). By train: Pesaro station, then take a regional bus to Urbino. Nearest airports: Ancona-Falconara and Rimini.
Where and When
The shows take place in the historic center of Urbino (Piazza Duca Federico, Palazzo Ducale, Borgo Mercatale, and adjacent squares), from August 11th to 14th, from afternoon until evening.
Tickets
Free admission to all events. It is advisable to arrive early for the Historical Parade and the Giuoco dell'Aita, which are very popular.
Tip
Urbino is on a hill with uphill cobblestone streets: wear comfortable shoes. In August, the city is very crowded; it's best to book accommodation well in advance.
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
Where does it take place — Festa del Duca
Centro storico e Palazzo Ducale
Piazza Duca Federico, 61029 Urbino