Giostra della Rocca
The medieval reenactment of Monselice and the challenge between the nine contrade
About Giostra della Rocca
Monselice Returns to the Middle Ages
The Giostra della Rocca is the most important historical reenactment in Monselice, in the province of Padua. The event commemorates the passage of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia through the city in 1239, transforming the village at the foot of the Rocca into a grand medieval theatre for two weeks in September.
The Nine Contrade in Challenge
The heart of the Giostra is the challenge between the nine contrade — Carmine, Ca' Oddo, Marendole, Monticelli, San Bortolo, San Cosma, San Giacomo, San Martino, and La Torre — which compete for supremacy in a series of tests of skill and strength. The contrade animate the town centre with processions, encampments, taverns, and the pride of belonging.
Medieval Market, Chess, and Quintana
The program combines a medieval market, a chess tournament (with the famous living chess game), archery competitions, strength tests with millstones, the drum competition, the grand historical procession, and the Quintana, a jousting tournament where the contrade's knights challenge each other with lances. A reenactment with strong identity, it is among the most beloved in the Veneto region.
Giostra della Rocca — edition 2026
The 41st edition of the Giostra della Rocca enlivens Monselice from September 11 to 20, 2026, with the closing ceremony on November 1. The nine contrade compete for two weeks in a packed program of medieval-themed trials and events.
The first week (September 11-14) features the opening dinner with fire shows, archery competitions, relays, the medieval market, and the chess tournament with the living game. The second week (September 17-20) culminates in the drum competition, the grand historical procession (September 20, 9:30 AM), and the horse race Quintana (2:30 PM). Organized by Giostra della Rocca ETS.
Programme Giostra della Rocca 2026
First Week — September 11-14
- Opening dinner with fire shows
- Archery competitions and relays between contrade
- Medieval market and chess tournament
- Living chess game
Second Week — September 17-20
- Drum competition
- September 20, 9:30 AM — Grand historical procession
- September 20, 2:30 PM — Horse race Quintana (jousting tournament with lances)
November 1
- Final ceremony
Highlights Giostra della Rocca 2026
Prices Giostra della Rocca 2026
Practical information — Giostra della Rocca
How to Get Here
Monselice is located at the foot of the Euganean Hills, in the province of Padua. It is served by the Bologna–Padua railway station and the A13 motorway. The events take place in the historic centre, with the main venue on Via Piave.
Admission
Many events are free to enter; some activities (contrade dinners, grandstands) may require a ticket. Information is available on the official website.
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Where does it take place — Giostra della Rocca
Centro storico di Monselice
Via Piave, 35043 Monselice