Il Guiderdone Banino – Rievocazione Medievale
The reenactment of the 1402 assault on the Castle, with districts in costume and tournaments
About Il Guiderdone Banino
A Page of History Comes Alive
Il Guiderdone Banino is the grand medieval reenactment in San Colombano al Lambro, the only municipality in the province of Milan perched on the hills marking the border with the Oltrepò Pavese and Lodi areas. The event commemorates a real historical episode: the assault on the Castle by the Banini in September 1402, when local factions fought for control of the fortified village.
Districts in Costume and Spirit of Competition
The heart of the festival is the competition between the village districts, which for two days bring streets and squares to life with figures in period costumes, historical parades, flag-wavers, and drummers. The prize at stake is the Cingolina, a symbolic award given to the winning district of the reenactment, in an atmosphere of good-natured rivalry that involves entire families and generations.
Spectacles and Ancient Arts
The program alternates moments of spectacle that transport visitors back to the atmosphere of the 15th century:
- medieval dances and music in courtyards and squares;
- falconry displays with birds of prey in flight;
- archer tournaments and historical archery competitions;
- jousts and knightly tournaments;
- activities and games designed for children.
The Castle and the Village
The natural setting is provided by the Castle and the historic center of San Colombano, with its medieval profile overlooking the vineyards of the San Colombano DOC, the only wine appellation in the province of Milan. Walking among the period stalls and encampments also means discovering a territory with a strong rural and wine identity, halfway between the Po Valley of Lombardy and the hills of the Oltrepò.
A Local Tradition
Organized by the Associazione Rioni San Colombano al Lambro, the reenactment traditionally takes place on the second weekend of September and is one of the most cherished events in the Banino calendar, attracting visitors from all over southern Milan and the neighboring provinces of Lodi and Pavia.
Il Guiderdone Banino — edition 2026
For 2026, the medieval reenactment Il Guiderdone Banino is scheduled for the second weekend of September in the historic center of San Colombano al Lambro. Two days dedicated to the contest between districts, with costumed parades, medieval dances and music, falconry, archer tournaments, and knightly jousts around the Castle.
Programme Il Guiderdone Banino 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Associazione Rioni San Colombano al Lambro closer to the event. The usual structure of the festival includes:
- historical parade of districts in period costume;
- medieval dance and music shows in the village squares;
- falconry displays;
- archery tournament and competitions between districts;
- jousts and knightly tournaments;
- awarding of the Cingolina to the winning district.
Highlights Il Guiderdone Banino 2026
Prices Il Guiderdone Banino 2026
Practical information — Il Guiderdone Banino
How to Get There
San Colombano al Lambro can be reached by car from the Via Emilia and the state road to Lodi and Pavia; the nearest train station is Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, connected to Milan and Pavia. The historic center and the Castle are in the heart of the village, a short distance from the parking areas.
Good to Know
The event takes place mostly outdoors in the historic center: comfortable shoes are recommended. Check the updated dates and program on the Associazione Rioni website.
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 — Il Guiderdone Banino
Castello di San Colombano al Lambro
Centro storico, 20078 San Colombano al Lambro