Fragments of History – Medieval Re-enactment of the Duchy of Acquaviva

A journey into the medieval Abruzzo

Fragments of History is the historical re-enactment that every summer brings Mosciano Sant'Angelo, a village in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo, back to the time of the Duchy of Acquaviva of Atri. Promoted by the Pro Loco Musiano with the patronage of the Municipality of Mosciano Sant'Angelo, the Province of Teramo, and the Abruzzo Region, the event transforms the historic center into an open-air medieval camp, where the public walks among costumed processions, ancient craft workshops, musicians, and knights.

The three dates that made history

The narrative revolves around three foundational moments, which give the event its subtitle: 1393, 1397, and 1415. In June 1393, the cities of Teramo and Atri were sold to Antonio Acquaviva for 35,000 gold ducats, an act that laid the foundations for the future Duchy of Atri; in 1397, Friar Matteo di Angelo had the Acquaviva Tower built; in 1415, the fortified village of Musiano suffered the siege of troops aligned with Queen Joanna II of Naples. The historical research supporting the re-enactment is curated by local scholars, ensuring a well-documented foundation rather than pure fantasy.

What to expect

The scenes are spread across the squares and alleys of the historic center. The public can witness the procession of the delegations from the municipalities once linked to the duchy—with banners, officials, and costumed participants from towns such as Atri, Teramo, Giulianova, and Roseto degli Abruzzi—and the re-enactment of the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Acquaviva.

• Historical procession and medieval encampments
• Ancient craft workshops and artisans at work
• Musicians, dances, and street performances
• The Feudal Challenge: competitions between delegations including archery, log throwing, and the "credenza" gastronomic test, where each fief presents a traditional dish
• The evening medieval banquet (by reservation)
• The re-enactment of the 1415 siege of the fortified village, the highlight of the event

A defining event for Mosciano

More than just a festival, Fragments of History has become a defining appointment for the community of Mosciano Sant'Angelo and the entire Teramo area. By involving dozens of Abruzzo municipalities that share the roots of the duchy, the re-enactment strengthens a bond of collective memory and offers visitors an authentic way to learn about the history of medieval Abruzzo, blending spectacle, tradition, and philological reconstruction.