Giostra di Simone

A medieval re-enactment in the heart of the Crete Senesi

The Giostra di Simone is one of the most fascinating historical medieval re-enactments in the province of Siena. It takes place in Montisi, an ancient village that is now part of the municipality of Montalcino, set within the landscape of clay hills and golden ridges that defines the Crete Senesi, bordering the Val d'Orcia. For one day, the village transforms into an open-air theatre where tradition, history, and community spirit blend into a deeply felt local celebration.

The history: Simone Cacciaconti and the expulsion of the tyrant

The event is rooted in the 13th century, when Montisi was dominated by the Cacciaconti family. Tradition recalls the figure of Simone di Rainuccio Cacciaconti, the lord of the castle who, according to popular legend, was driven out by a local revolt. The joust re-enacts this very episode: riders strike the buratto—a dummy representing the tyrant Simone—with their lances in a symbolic gesture of redemption and freedom. The joust, documented as far back as the 18th century, was interrupted during World War II and reinstated in 1972, beginning the series of modern editions that continues to this day.

The four Contrade and the equestrian challenge

The heart of the day is the contest between the four Contrade of the village:

• Castello
• Piazza
• San Martino
• Torre

Each Contrada fields its own rider, who must gallop and strike the target with precision. The winning Contrada is awarded the Panno, a painted banner dedicated to the Madonna delle Nevi, created each year by an artist selected through a public call. The rivalry between the districts and the passion of the residents make the competition authentic and engaging.

Pageants, flag-wavers, and medieval atmosphere

Before the joust, the village comes alive with a historical pageant in costume, accompanied by drummers and performances by the flag-wavers of the four Contrade. In the days leading up to the race, there are field trials, the presentation of the Panno, a torchlight procession, the blessing of the horses, and propitiatory dinners in the districts—true community feasts. A week of side events—theatrical and musical performances, games, and evening food stands—completes the festival.

A signature event of Tuscany

Part of Tuscany's rich calendar of historical re-enactments, the Giostra di Simone is much more than a tourist show: it is an identity-defining ritual that binds the people of Montisi to their history. Visiting it means discovering an authentic village in the Crete Senesi and experiencing firsthand the local passion that fuels this corner of the province of Siena.