Festa del Duca

The court of Federico comes alive 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 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 reenactments, 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 Honour 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 (Children's Duke's Festival), 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 Grande Corteo Storico (Grand Historical Parade), one of the most impressive processions in the reenactment scene, with over 400 costumed participants parading through the center to recreate the events of the Montefeltro 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 whole 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 all over the 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 region in its most evocative guise, amidst art, history, and popular tradition.