Ferie delle Messi

A journey into the Middle Ages in the city of towers

The Ferie delle Messi is the most important historical re-enactment in San Gimignano, a medieval village in the Province of Siena world-renowned for its towers and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Every year, in mid-June, the town's historic center dresses up to celebrate, taking residents and visitors back in time to the 13th and 14th centuries, when San Gimignano was at its peak. The event celebrates the grain harvest—the messi—which was traditionally marked in the Middle Ages with rituals, markets, and tournaments.

History and the Four Contrade

The event is organized by the Associazione Cavalieri di Santa Fina, which has passionately curated the philological reconstruction of costumes, music, and ceremonies since the mid-nineties. In 2024, the re-enactment celebrated its thirtieth anniversary, a testament to its deep bond with the city's identity. At the heart of the festival are the Four Contrade (districts) into which the city is divided: Castello, Piazza, San Giovanni, and San Matteo, which compete in games and contests with the loyal spirit of chivalric tradition.

Processions, jousts, and ancient crafts

For three days, the squares and alleys of San Gimignano come alive with a rich program, under the artistic direction of Gianluca Foresi, poet and jester. The public can enjoy:

• Historical costumed processions winding through the village, featuring ladies, knights, men-at-arms, and commoners
• Falconry displays with birds of prey flying over the squares
• Martial games and medieval encampments at the Rocca di Montestaffoli, with historical education
• Competitions between the Contrade: the Braid Contest, tug-of-war, and archery
• Performances by flag-wavers, musicians, dancers, jesters, and fire-eaters
• Evening fire shows that set the medieval night ablaze

The grand finale: Corteo delle Messi and Giostra dei Bastoni

The most anticipated moment is Sunday afternoon, with the solemn Corteo delle Messi: over five hundred participants in period attire parade through the streets of the center to Piazza del Duomo. This is followed by the Giostra dei Bastoni, the chivalric competition that awards the most coveted prizes, including the Masgalano and the Golden Sword, crowning the winning Contrada of the year.

Cultural preview and taverns

The festival is preceded by a cultural preview featuring lectures, early music concerts, and theatrical performances in the city's historic venues, such as the Sala di Dante and the Loggia del Teatro. During the re-enactment, it is also possible to dine at the charming Taverna dei Cavalieri, set up at the Cassero della Rocca, where you can taste dishes inspired by medieval Tuscan cuisine. A unique opportunity to experience San Gimignano and its traditions in a setting unparalleled in Tuscany.