Festival of the Ancient Villages — Traona, Cino and Cercino
Two days of the Middle Ages in the villages of the Costiera dei Cech
About Festival of the Ancient Villages
Three villages, one journey into the Middle Ages
The Festival of the Ancient Villages is a widespread cultural event involving the three Municipalities of Traona, Cino, and Cercino, in the province of Sondrio, on the sunny side of the Costiera dei Cech, in the lower Valtellina. For two days, the alleys, squares, cellars, and historic villas of the three villages come alive with re-enactments, ancient crafts, and medieval atmospheres, connected by a free shuttle service and a walk that crosses the territory.
A different program in each village
Each village has its own identity within the festival. In Traona, the medieval tavern, stalls of ancient crafts, heraldic workshops, falconry shows, a historical play area, and a magic school come to life, along with tastings in the cellars and guided tours of the villas. In Cino, the Celtolimpiadi (Celtic Olympics) are held, with archery, hay tossing, and obstacle races, and a walk to the five Olympic rings. In Cercino, there is space for the medieval encampment, archer demonstrations, and the historical re-enactment of a battle.
Between wine, culture, and landscape
Activities common to all villages include donkey rides, tours with a jester, an educational farm, a fire show, and typical Valtellina traditional menus, from polenta to pizzoccheri. The common thread remains the promotion of a charming rural territory, where historic cellars and villas tell centuries of wine culture.
The Cech In project
The event is organized by the Municipalities of Traona, Cino, and Cercino together with their respective Pro Loco associations and the Consorzio Turistico Porte di Valtellina, as part of the Cech In project, funded by the Ministry of Culture with PNRR funds. An initiative that networks the three villages of the Costiera dei Cech to make them a cultural and tourist destination in the province of Sondrio.
Festival of the Ancient Villages — edition 2026
The 2026 Festival of the Ancient Villages enlivens Traona, Cino, and Cercino on the weekend of April 25th and 26th. Each village offers its own program, with a medieval theme and a strong focus on the rural and wine heritage of the Costiera dei Cech.
In Traona, the medieval tavern, ancient crafts, and falconry; in Cino, the Celtolimpiadi and the walk to the five rings; in Cercino, the medieval encampment and the battle re-enactment. Activities common to all three towns: donkey rides, tours with a jester, educational farm, fire show, and typical Valtellina menus.
Programme Festival of the Ancient Villages 2026
Friday, April 24th — Opening
- 8:30 PM — Conference with the Polytechnic University of Milan on the prospects of the territory
Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th
Traona
- Medieval tavern and ancient crafts
- Heraldic workshops and medieval stalls
- Falconry shows
- Historical play area and magic school
- Tastings in cellars and guided tours of villas
Cino
- Celtolimpiadi: archery, hay tossing, obstacle race
- Walk to the five Olympic rings (inauguration on April 25th)
Cercino
- Medieval encampment
- Archer demonstrations
- Historical re-enactment of a battle
Activities across the three villages
- Free shuttle between villages
- Walk between the three municipalities
- Donkey rides and tours with a jester
- Educational farm and fire show
- Typical local menus: polenta, pizzoccheri
Highlights Festival of the Ancient Villages 2026
- Medieval tavern and falconry in Traona
- Celtolimpiadi in Cino
- Historical re-enactment of a battle in Cercino
- Tastings in the historic cellars of the Costiera dei Cech
Prices Festival of the Ancient Villages 2026
Practical information — Festival of the Ancient Villages
When
Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th, 2026.
Where
Villages of Traona, Cino, and Cercino (SO), Costiera dei Cech, lower Valtellina. Free shuttle between the three towns.
How to get there
By car from the SS38 dello Stelvio, exit Traona/Morbegno. By train to Morbegno or Cosio Valtellino on the Colico-Tirano line, then transfer to the villages.
Opening event
Conference on April 24th at 8:30 PM, in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Milan, on the prospects of the territory.
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Where does it take place — Festival of the Ancient Villages
Borghi di Traona, Cino e Cercino