I Giorni di Azzolino
The great medieval reenactment of Grottazzolina, in the heart of the province of Fermo
About I Giorni di Azzolino
A week in the Middle Ages in Grottazzolina
Every summer, the village of Grottazzolina, in the heart of the province of Fermo, in the Marche region, transforms into a large open-air stage. I Giorni di Azzolino is the main historical reenactment of the Municipality and one of the most cherished medieval events in the Fermo area: for a whole week, the historic center dresses in period costumes, torchlight, and drum sounds, taking visitors back to the 13th century.
The story of Azzo VII d'Este
The festival celebrates the figure of Azzo VII d'Este, the powerful marquis of Ferrara who conquered the strategic castle of the town in the 13th century. It is to this lord that Grottazzolina owes its current name: from the original Crypta Canonicorum, it became Gruptae Aczolini, meaning Azzolino's cave. The reenactment recounts these events through parades, reconstructed battles, and ceremonies, blending documented history with the allure of medieval myth.
The highlights of the event
The program unfolds over several themed evenings, each dedicated to a major event:
- The Triumph Parade: the night parade with dozens of participants and historical delegations from cities like Este, Ferrara, and Servigliano.
- The Joust of the Monk: the equestrian challenge that is the symbol of the festival, where knights compete by hitting a target with a mace, representing the cities of the White Eagle.
- The Surrender of the Canons: the spectacular reconstruction of the battle for the fortress.
- The Palio delle Contrade (Races of the Districts) and the Disfida del Forziere (Challenge of the Strongbox), which pit the town's districts against each other.
Tournaments, markets, and encampments
Alongside the evening shows, the event features the Historical Archery Tournament with the prestigious Azzo VII d'Este Trophy, educational military encampments, workshops of period artisans, and a rich medieval market with living history. There are also street performances, puppet theater, flag wavers, and captivating fire manipulation shows that conclude the nights.
Taverns and the taste of the 13th century
One of the most beloved aspects is the medieval dinners: numerous taverns set up in the village offer themed menus inspired by 13th-century cuisine, with dishes like tripe, roast goose, and spelt tagliatelle, to be enjoyed immersed in the atmosphere of the era. The festival also includes cultural enrichment moments, such as the ancient music concert "Colto Medioevo" and meetings dedicated to the Piceni civilization with the "La Notte dei Piceni" review.
An identity event of the Marche
Organized by the Ente Rievocazioni Storiche I Giorni di Azzolino (Historical Reenactment Body I Giorni di Azzolino), the event has grown over almost thirty years to become a benchmark for reenactment enthusiasts and families. For the public, it is an opportunity to discover Grottazzolina and the Fermo hinterland, amidst hills, villages, and traditions that tell the most authentic soul of the Marche.
I Giorni di Azzolino — edition 2026
I Giorni di Azzolino 2026: the XXVIII edition
The 2026 edition of the Grottazzolina reenactment, in the province of Fermo, is held from Tuesday, July 28 to Monday, August 3, 2026. The program alternates major spectacular evenings and cultural events, all set in the Middle Ages of Azzo VII d'Este.
The main evenings
- Tuesday, July 28: inauguration with "Colto Medioevo", opening of the military encampment and "La Notte dei Piceni" with archaeologists and percussionists in Piazza Alta del Castello.
- Wednesday, July 29: exhibitions, encampment, and talks on "The Origin of Medieval Games".
- Thursday, July 30: ancient music concert in the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
- Friday, July 31: defensive maneuvers by the Ferreo Core Company.
- Saturday, August 1: "Night of the Triumph Parade" with historical archery tournament (National Championship), medieval market, historical parade with guest delegations, "Night of the Flags" by flag wavers, and the fire show "The Sphere of Destiny".
- Sunday, August 2: "Night of the Joust of the Monk", with "The Surrender of the Canons" and the famous mace equestrian challenge.
- Monday, August 3: "Night of the Palio delle Contrade" with the "Challenge of the Strongbox" and the final show "Animal Fire".
Throughout the week, taverns with medieval dinners, educational encampments, artisan workshops, and photographic exhibitions are open in the historic center of Grottazzolina.
Programme I Giorni di Azzolino 2026
2026 Program (July 28 - August 3)
- Tue 28/07 - 9:00 PM "Colto Medioevo" and opening of encampment; 9:30 PM exhibitions and "La Bottega della Storia" (Palazzo Benedetti); 9:30 PM "La Notte dei Piceni" (Piazza Alta Castello).
- Wed 29/07 - 9:00 PM exhibitions and encampment; 9:30 PM talks "The Origin of Medieval Games".
- Thu 30/07 - 9:15 PM ancient music concert (Church San Giovanni Battista).
- Fri 31/07 - 9:30 PM defensive maneuvers (Compagnia Ferreo Core).
- Sat 01/08 - 4:00 PM historical archery tournament; 7:00 PM medieval market and living history; 8:30 PM "Castrum Aczolini"; 10:15 PM historical parade; 10:45 PM "La Notte delle Bandiere"; 11:30 PM "La Sfera del Destino".
- Sun 02/08 - 6:00 PM medieval market; 10:00 PM "La Resa dei Canonici"; 10:45 PM "La Giostra del Monaco"; 11:30 PM "Il Giudizio di Dio".
- Mon 03/08 - 9:00 PM procession and start of games; 9:30 PM "Disfida del Forziere"; 11:15 PM final show "Animal Fire".
Highlights I Giorni di Azzolino 2026
Prices I Giorni di Azzolino 2026
Practical information — I Giorni di Azzolino
How to get there
Grottazzolina is located in the hinterland of the province of Fermo. By car: take the Pedaso or Porto San Giorgio exit on the A14 motorway, then provincial roads towards the Tenna valley. By train: Porto San Giorgio-Fermo station on the Adriatic line, with onward travel by bus or car. Nearest airport: Ancona-Falconara.
When and where
The event takes place at the end of July and beginning of August in the historic center of Grottazzolina, with events in Piazza Alta, at the Castle, and in the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
Tickets and advice
Entry to the festival streets and open-air shows is generally free; dinners in the taverns are paid. It is advisable to consult the official website for schedules, tavern reservations, and any program changes.
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Where does it take place — I Giorni di Azzolino
Centro storico di Grottazzolina