Giostra della Rocca
The medieval re-enactment of Monselice and the challenge between the nine districts
About Giostra della Rocca
Monselice Returns to the Middle Ages
The Giostra della Rocca is the most important historical re-enactment 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 town at the foot of the Rocca into a grand medieval theatre for two weeks in September.
The Nine Districts in Challenge
The heart of the Giostra is the challenge between the nine districts — 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 districts bring the town centre to life with pageants, encampments, taverns, and the pride of belonging.
Medieval Market, Chess, and Quintana
The programme combines the medieval market, the chess tournament (with the famous living chess game), archery competitions, strength tests with millstones, the drum challenge, the grand historical pageant, and the Quintana, a knightly joust where district knights compete with lances. A re-enactment with a 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 districts compete for two weeks in a packed programme of medieval-themed tests 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 challenge, the grand historical pageant (September 20, 9:30 AM), and the horse Quintana (2:30 PM). Organised 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 districts
- Medieval market and chess tournament
- Living chess game
Second Week — September 17-20
- Drum challenge
- September 20, 9:30 AM — Grand historical pageant
- September 20, 2:30 PM — Horse Quintana (knightly joust with lances)
November 1
- Final ceremony
Highlights Giostra della Rocca 2026
Prices Giostra della Rocca 2026
Practical information — Giostra della Rocca
How to Get There
Monselice is located at the foot of the Euganean Hills, in the province of Padua, served by the Bologna–Padua railway station and the A13 motorway. The events take place in the historic centre, located on Via Piave.
Admission
Many events are free to enter; some activities (district dinners, grandstands) may require a ticket. Information on the official website.
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Where does it take place — Giostra della Rocca
Centro storico di Monselice
Via Piave, 35043 Monselice