Il Mastrogiurato – Medieval Historical Re-enactment

A week in the Middle Ages in Lanciano

Every year, from the last Sunday of August to the first Sunday of September, the historic center of Lanciano, in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, travels back seven centuries with Il Mastrogiurato, the region's oldest and most significant historical re-enactment. Established in 1981, the event is officially recognized as a regional event of interest by the Abruzzo Region and is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and the Senate of the Republic.

Who was the Mastrogiurato?

The re-enactment is rooted in a specific historical event: in 1304, Charles II of Anjou established the office of the Mastrogiurato in Lanciano, a magistrate with extraordinary powers tasked with maintaining public order during the city's great fairs. He was the only person authorized to carry weapons, could administer civil and criminal justice, oversee weights and measures, and arrest anyone disturbing the merchants and guests. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Lanciano experienced extraordinary prosperity thanks to the Nundinae Mercatus, the fairs held in May and September that attracted traders from across the Mediterranean, from Greece to Spain, and from Egypt to Tunisia.

The medieval village and the Tenzone dei Quartieri

For the entire week, the ancient heart of the city comes alive with a grand medieval market, workshops showcasing ancient crafts, taverns, period dinners, food and wine tours, and street performances. The schedule is packed with displays by flag-wavers, falconers, knights, dancers, jugglers, stilt-walkers, early music concerts, and street theater.

The competitive heart of the event is the Tenzone dei Quartieri, where Lanciano's four historic districts – Sacca, Borgo, Civitanova, and Lancianovecchia – compete in skill-based games and period challenges to win the right to lead the procession and claim the golden Mastrogiurato trophy.

The Historical Investiture Pageant

The most anticipated moment is the grand Historical Pageant on the first Sunday of September, which re-enacts the solemn investiture ceremony of the Mastrogiurato. Over 600 costumed participants, joined by Italian and international delegations, parade through the city streets, recreating the glory of the ancient Angevin fairs. The event is affiliated with the European Federation of Historical Re-enactments and has fostered thousands of cultural exchanges with schools and groups across Europe over the years.

An Abruzzese heritage

More than just a show, Il Mastrogiurato is a deep-rooted element of the identity of Lanciano and Abruzzo. It involves hundreds of citizens of all ages, from the District Dames to local artisans, passing down the memory of Lanciano's medieval past to new generations. It is an unmissable appointment for anyone wishing to experience history firsthand, amidst the colors, sounds, and flavors of a bygone era.