Four Steps into the Middle Ages
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Heritage History

Four Steps into the Middle Ages

The historical re-enactment of the Ronchi Castle in Crevalcore

Crevalcore — Bologna (237)
Dates 02 May โ€” 03 May 2026
Location Crevalcore (237)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About 4 Steps into the Middle Ages

Every year, at the beginning of May, the park of the Castello dei Ronchi in Crevalcore returns to times gone by: between 1380 and 1410, when this corner of the Bolognese plain was the scene of important military events. Quattro Passi nel Medioevo is an accurate historical re-enactment made up of encampments, artisan markets, music, theatre, and shows, with the great battle of 1390 between the army of Alberico da Barbiano and the Visconti troops at its centre. A weekend of free admission to immerse yourself in medieval life.

A Dive into the Middle Ages in Crevalcore

Quattro Passi nel Medioevo is the historical re-enactment that enlivens the park of the Castello dei Ronchi every spring, in the municipality of Crevalcore, in the province of Bologna, in the heart of the Emilia plain. For an entire weekend, artisans, merchants, soldiers, and commoners bring the period between 1380 and 1410 back to life, returning visitors to the late 14th century with great reconstructive accuracy.

The Battle of 1390

The most anticipated moment of the event is the re-enactment of the battle that in 1390 made Crevalcore the scene of important military events: the clash between the army of Duke Alberico da Barbiano, commanding the Bolognese troops, and the Visconti army. Foot soldiers and knights confront each other with weaponry faithful to the late 1300s, in a spectacle that is repeated on both days.

Camp, Market, and Shows

Throughout the event, the public can visit the medieval encampment with its tents and scenes of daily life, discover the work of artisans at the historical market, and follow the numerous theatrical and musical animations. There are also moments dedicated to audiences of all ages:

  • Scenes of camp life and educational activities on weapons and crafts;
  • Archery, combat, and demonstrations;
  • Musicians, jesters, and theatrical performances;
  • The Grand Tournament of Medieval Cuisine and a medieval music concert.

Flavours of the Era and Emilian Tradition

The gastronomic stand offers dishes inspired by medieval menus alongside traditional Emilian dishes, while at the tavern you can enjoy fried gnocco and hippocras, the ancient spiced wine drink. A way to accompany your visit with the flavours of the region.

An Event for Crevalcore

Organized by the association I Sempar in baraca together with the Pro Loco, the re-enactment attracts history enthusiasts and families from all over Emilia-Romagna every year. Admission is free: to maintain high reconstructive standards, access in historical, themed, fantasy, or cosplay attire is reserved for re-enactment groups and invited merchants.

4 Steps into the Middle Ages โ€” edition 2026

The 21st edition of Quattro Passi nel Medioevo took place on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at the Castello dei Ronchi in Crevalcore. Two days of medieval encampment, historical market, music, and theatre, with the re-enactment of the 1390 battle scheduled for 5:30 PM on both days.

The 2026 edition of Quattro Passi nel Medioevo was held on May 2nd and 3rd in the park of the Castello dei Ronchi in Crevalcore (Bologna). The days were marked by the opening of the medieval encampment, the gastronomic stand, the tavern, and the medieval battle at 5:30 PM, with the clash between foot soldiers and knights armed in the style of the late 1300s. Among the events were the medieval music concert on Saturday evening and the Grand Tournament of Medieval Cuisine on Sunday morning.

Programme 4 Steps into the Middle Ages 2026

Saturday, May 2nd

  • 10:00 AM โ€” Opening of the medieval encampment: daily life, combat, and educational activities
  • 12:30 PM โ€” Gastronomic stand (medieval menu and Emilian tradition)
  • 4:00 PM โ€” Tavern with fried gnocco and hippocras
  • 5:30 PM โ€” Medieval battle: clashes between foot soldiers and knights
  • 7:30 PM โ€” Evening gastronomic stand
  • 9:30 PM โ€” Medieval music concert

Sunday, May 3rd

  • 9:00 AM โ€” Opening of the medieval encampment
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM โ€” Grand Tournament of Medieval Cuisine
  • 12:30 PM โ€” Gastronomic stand
  • 4:00 PM โ€” Tavern
  • 5:30 PM โ€” Medieval battle

For both days: medieval market with artisans and merchants, archery, musicians, and continuous theatrical animations.

Highlights 4 Steps into the Middle Ages 2026

  • Re-enactment of the 1390 battle between the army of Alberico da Barbiano and the Visconti troops, at 5:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday
  • Medieval encampment with scenes of daily life and educational activities
  • Grand Tournament of Medieval Cuisine (Sunday morning)
  • Medieval music concert (Saturday evening)
  • Historical market, archery, and tavern with fried gnocco and hippocras

Prices 4 Steps into the Middle Ages 2026

Free admission. Access in historical, themed, or cosplay attire is reserved for official re-enactment groups and invited merchants.

Practical information — 4 Steps into the Middle Ages

Where

Castello dei Ronchi, Via Argini Nord 3277/b, Ronchi locality, 40014 Crevalcore (BO).

How to get there

By car: Crevalcore can be reached from the A1 motorway (Modena Nord exit) or the SS9 Via Emilia, about 30-40 minutes from Bologna and Modena. By train: Crevalcore station on the Bologna-Verona line.

Admission

Free. Access in historical, themed, or cosplay attire is not permitted for the public and is reserved for official re-enactment groups and invited merchants.

Contacts

Tel. +39 346 0955395 โ€” [email protected] โ€” www.4passinelmedioevo.com

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Where does it take place โ€” 4 Steps into the Middle Ages

Castello dei Ronchi

Via Argini Nord 3277/b, localitร  Ronchi, 40014 Crevalcore

Contact 4 Steps into the Middle Ages

Tel
+39 346 0955395

4 Steps into the Middle Ages in brief

Gastronomy Heritage History Medieval Historical reenactment Folk traditions Folklore Family Art crafts Crafts Outdoor Free Bologna

History of 4 Steps into the Middle Ages