Historical Palio of the Borghi of Avigliana
Seven districts, one medieval challenge at the court of the Red Count
About Palio of the Borghi
A challenge between seven districts in the heart of the Susa Valley
The Historical Palio of the Borghi of Avigliana is one of Piedmont's most beloved medieval re-enactments. Every year, in the municipality of Avigliana, within the Metropolitan City of Turin, the town's seven historic districts compete for the Palio banner in a series of events held between late May and the third Sunday of June. Borgo Drubiaglio, Borgo Nuovo, Borgo Paglierino, Borgo Pertusera, Borgo San Pietro, Borgo Sant'Agostino, and Borgo Vecchio take to the field with their own colors, performers, and local pride.
The history: Valentina Visconti and the Red Count
The event commemorates a real historical episode: the passage of Valentina Visconti through Avigliana in 1389, while she was traveling to France to marry Louis of Valois-Orléans, brother of King Charles VI. The central figure of the court is the Red Count, Amadeus VII of Savoy, who serves as the focal point for the Palio's entire aesthetic. Avigliana's medieval historic center, with its Piazza Conte Rosso and castle ruins, provides an authentic backdrop for processions, oaths, and costumed ceremonies.
Trials and traditions
The Palio is not just a single day but a journey of events culminating in the historical pageant and the final race. Key highlights include:
- The Cena del Canapo, a grand banquet in Piazza Conte Rosso featuring the election of the Palio's Madonna and Messere.
- The canoe regatta on the lakes of Avigliana, where the seven districts compete on the water.
- The Taverne dei Borghi, offering traditional cuisine, a drumming competition, tug-of-war, and historical performances.
- The historical pageant and the final Palio, featuring flag-wavers, archery, and the awarding of the banner.
A community event
Organized by Pro Loco Avigliana APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Avigliana, the Regional Council of Piedmont, and the Metropolitan City of Turin, the Palio is more than just a festival: it is the time of year when the entire Avigliana community unites through its districts. For visitors, it is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the medieval gems near Turin, set among the lakes, the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park, and a charming historic center.
Palio of the Borghi — edition 2026
The 43rd edition of the Historical Palio of the Borghi of Avigliana is divided into five main events between May and June 2026, organized by Pro Loco Avigliana APS with the patronage of the Municipality, the Regional Council of Piedmont, and the Metropolitan City of Turin. The seven districts compete for the banner through skill trials, water challenges, and costumed re-enactments, building up to the historical pageant and the final race.
Programme Palio of the Borghi 2026
Saturday, May 9 — Oath of the district leaders
- 18:00 — Solemn oath of the district leaders before the Red Count, Town Hall
- Unveiling of the 2026 Palio Banner
- Performance by flag-wavers and musicians in the Giardino delle Donne, followed by refreshments
Saturday, May 23 — Cena del Canapo
- 20:00 — Grand banquet in Piazza Conte Rosso, with three menus (adult, child, vegetarian)
- Dances, spectacular performances, and election of the 2026 Madonna and Messere of the Palio
Saturday, June 13 — Canoe Regatta
- From 16:00 — Challenge between the seven districts at the CVA Sailing Center, Corso Laghi 282 ("seven districts, one lake, one great challenge")
- Award ceremony with aperitif
Saturday, June 20 — Taverne dei Borghi and Historical Re-enactment
- CGA Field, Via Oronte Nota 3
- Handing over of the city keys and opening of the medieval taverns
- Drumming competition and tug-of-war
- Shows with the Asti Buhurt Club and "Belli...ssime"
- Historical theater on Philip of Savoy and performances by the Carro delle Illusioni
Sunday, June 21 — Final Historical Palio
- 15:00 — Historical pageant departing from Piazza del Popolo
- 16:00 — Arrival at the Palio field
- 17:00 — Archery, flag-wavers, carousel-race, and awarding of the Palio
- 20:00 — "Red Count's Banquet" dinner in Piazza Conte Rosso
- 23:00 — Final parade and closing show in Piazza del Popolo
Highlights Palio of the Borghi 2026
Prices Palio of the Borghi 2026
Practical information — Palio of the Borghi
How to get there
Avigliana is located in the Susa Valley, about 25 km from Turin. By car, take the A32 Turin-Bardonecchia motorway and exit at Avigliana. By train, Avigliana station is served by the Turin-Modane line (SFM3), with frequent connections from Turin Porta Nuova.
Where it takes place
Events are held in the historic center of Avigliana (Piazza Conte Rosso, Piazza del Popolo, Town Hall), at the CGA field on Via Oronte Nota 3, and at the CVA Sailing Center on Corso Laghi 282 for the regatta.
Tips
Many events are free to attend; for the dinners (Cena del Canapo, Red Count's Banquet), booking through Pro Loco Avigliana is recommended. Combine your visit with a walk around the Avigliana Lakes and the medieval center.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Palio of the Borghi
Centro storico di Avigliana
Piazza del Popolo 6, 10051 Avigliana