Il Bianco e l'Azzurro
The medieval festival of the Quartiere di Canneti in the heart of the Val d'Orcia
About Il Bianco e l'Azzurro
Three days in the Middle Ages of the Val d'Orcia
Il Bianco e l'Azzurro is the grand medieval festival of San Quirico d'Orcia, located in the heart of the Val d'Orcia in the province of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Organized by the Quartiere di Canneti, the event transforms the village for an entire weekend into a 15th-century setting: costumed processions, period music and dances, taverns, ancient crafts, and re-enactments bring the cobblestone streets, squares, and monumental spaces of the historic center to life.
A village turned into a stage
The strength of the festival lies in its natural scenery: the 13th-century walls, the Porta del Morto, the Collegiate Church, and the famous Horti Leonini, an Italian-style Renaissance garden, provide the backdrop for the performances. The public is guided along a path that weaves together history and legend, with the white and blue colors of the Quartiere di Canneti waving everywhere. The performers wear meticulously crafted 15th-century costumes, the result of an entire community's hard work.
Flag-wavers, archers, and the trebuchet
Among the most anticipated moments are the performances by flag-wavers, drummers, and trumpeters, the archery challenges, and the imposing six-meter-tall trebuchet, a war machine built by hand by the artisans of Canneti and the star of the demonstrations. The festival also hosts numerous guest historical groups from other Tuscan villages and beyond, who enrich the processions and shows with their flags and drums.
Traditional flavors
Alongside the spectacular performances, the Quartiere's taverns offer dishes from Val d'Orcia cuisine: handmade pici, grilled meats, cold cuts, desserts, and local wines, starting with the Orcia red. The medieval banquet, accompanied by theatrical performances, is one of the most beloved social events and requires reservations.
Along the Via Francigena
For centuries, San Quirico d'Orcia has been a stop on the Via Francigena, the ancient route for pilgrims heading to Rome. The festival celebrates this heritage with an urban theatrical trekking tour that tells stories, trades, and superstitions of the Middle Ages along the village streets. It is an identity-defining event that unites the community of San Quirico d'Orcia and allows visitors to relive the historical soul of the Val d'Orcia.
Il Bianco e l'Azzurro — edition 2026
The 23rd edition of Il Bianco e l'Azzurro brought San Quirico d'Orcia to life from June 5 to 7, 2026, confirming the three-day medieval festival formula curated by the Quartiere di Canneti. Among the most anticipated novelties were the first appearance of the Bandierai degli Uffizi from Florence and the inauguration of the restored six-meter-tall trebuchet. Alongside guest groups from Montalcino, Montepulciano, Forlimpopoli, San Marino, and Sarteano, the Canneti performers wore new 15th-century costumes, animating the walls, the Horti Leonini, and the village squares with processions, music, and taverns.
Programme Il Bianco e l'Azzurro 2026
Friday, June 5
- 18:00 — Memorial Mass at the Church of San Francesco
- 19:00 — Official opening of the 23rd edition: reading of the proclamation and waving of the white and blue banner
- 20:00 — Dinner in Piazzetta di Porta Nuova (handmade pici, grilled meat, Orcia wine)
Saturday, June 6
- 11:00 — Opening of the Taverna del Dragone
- 12:30 — Lunch at Porta Nuova
- 16:15 — Medieval urban theatrical trekking «Stories and superstitions along the Via Francigena», meeting at Piazzetta di Porta Nuova (reservations +39 347 8322021 / +39 339 3427894)
- 18:15 — Performance by young flag-wavers, drummers, and archers
- 20:15 — Medieval banquet with the theatrical show «Le figlie degli uomini» (reservation required +39 346 3234091 / +39 366 4373559)
Sunday, June 7
- 10:00 — Opening of the Taverna del Dragone
- 10:15 — Archers' procession to the Horti Leonini and archery tournament «Trofeo Val d'Orcia Medievale»
- 12:00 — Inauguration of the restored trebuchet (six meters, hand-built)
- 12:45 — Traditional lunch
- 16:30 — Grand show with flag-wavers and guest groups
- 20:00 — Dinner and closing ceremony
Highlights Il Bianco e l'Azzurro 2026
Prices Il Bianco e l'Azzurro 2026
Practical information — Il Bianco e l'Azzurro
Getting there
San Quirico d'Orcia can be reached by car via the SS2 Cassia (exit for Val d'Orcia). By train, the reference station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, which is connected by local bus lines. The nearest airports are Florence and Rome.
When
The festival usually takes place between May and June, spanning three days (Friday to Sunday).
Reservations
The medieval banquet and the theatrical trekking require reservations. Banquet: +39 346 3234091 / +39 366 4373559. Trekking: +39 347 8322021 / +39 339 3427894.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets of the historic center and book your accommodation in advance during the busiest months in the Val d'Orcia.
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Where does it take place — Il Bianco e l'Azzurro
Centro storico di San Quirico d'Orcia
Piazzetta di Porta Nuova, 53027 San Quirico d'Orcia