In the Land of Bandello
Medieval and Renaissance historical re-enactment in the land of Matteo Bandello
About In the Land of Bandello
A journey into the Renaissance in Castelnuovo Scrivia
In the heart of the lower Scrivia Valley, in the province of Alessandria, the Municipality of Castelnuovo Scrivia hosts one of the most heartfelt historical re-enactments in south-eastern Piedmont every year: "In the Land of Bandello". For an entire weekend, the village transforms its squares and historic center alleys into a medieval and Renaissance village populated by artisans, musicians, jesters, ladies, and knights.
The event, now in its twenty-sixth edition, traditionally coincides with the weekend dedicated to Saint Desiderius, the town's patron saint, and has become a defining appointment for the entire community.
Matteo Bandello, the soul of the festival
Everything revolves around the figure of Matteo Bandello, born in Castelnuovo Scrivia in 1485. A Dominican friar and later Bishop of Agen in France, Bandello is famous above all for his Novelle, a collection that inspired masterpieces of European literature, including William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and several plays by Lope de Vega. The re-enactment, also promoted by the newly revived Matteo Bandello Study Center, thus weaves together popular entertainment and cultural insight, with scenic readings, documentary exhibitions, and conferences.
The heart of the re-enactment
The scenic focal point is the Castello dei Torriani e dei Bandello, the village's ancient praetorian palace, which opens its halls during the "Castelli Aperti" initiative. Around the castle and in the squares, historical encampments, taverns and inns, the artisan market, banquets with focaccia and beer, fire and dexterity shows, and costumed processions come to life.
For the whole family
"In the Land of Bandello" is not just for history buffs: workshops for children, village games, Leonardo da Vinci-themed escape rooms, and educational activities make the event suitable for all ages. An opportunity to discover Castelnuovo Scrivia, its Renaissance history, and the flavors of the Tortona area.
In the Land of Bandello — edition 2026
The 2026 edition celebrated the 541st anniversary of Matteo Bandello's birth with a rich program, spread over four days between the Castello dei Torriani e dei Bandello and the squares of the historic center of Castelnuovo Scrivia, in the province of Alessandria. Scenic readings, historical tastings, encampments, an artisan market, and moments of cultural insight enlivened the village during the weekend dedicated to the patron saint, Saint Desiderius.
Programme In the Land of Bandello 2026
Thursday, May 21
- 21:00 — Castle: opening evening "La terra nostra di Castelnuovo", scenic readings by Emanuele Arrigazzi (Novella XXIII) with guidance from Prof. Giuseppe Polimeni and inauguration of the documentary exhibition on Matteo Bandello.
Friday, May 22
- 19:00 — Under the arengo: meeting on territory, wine culture, communication, and generational transition with Davide Rampello, Gianpaolo Repetto, Stefano Quaglierini, Walter Massa, Andrea Mutti, and the Derthona Giovani association.
- 21:00 — Castle: "Renaissance Cuisine", free tasting of historical dishes and presentation of the "Il Bandellino" biscuit.
Saturday, May 23
- 17:00 — Opening of the medieval village in the squares.
- 20:00 — Medieval outdoor banquet with focaccia and beer organized by "I Cavalieri di Castrumnovum", with musicians and jesters (reservation required).
- 21:30 — Fire and dexterity show by the "Ansensà" group.
Sunday, May 24
- 09:45 / 10:00 — Historical pageant with flag-wavers, departing from Palazzo Centurione.
- 10:30 — Solemn Mass.
- 14:45 — Opening of the Castle for "Castelli Aperti".
- 15:00 — Madonnari workshop for children (reservation at the library).
- 15:30 — Castle: conference "Abbeys and Rules of Life" with Chiara Parente.
- 17:00 — Conference "Dining with the Sforza: Leonardo da Vinci and the 1489 Tortona banquet".
Throughout the event: village with games, Leonardo da Vinci-themed escape room, taverns, inns, artisan market, and historical encampments.
Highlights In the Land of Bandello 2026
Prices In the Land of Bandello 2026
Practical information — In the Land of Bandello
Where
The event takes place in the historic center of Castelnuovo Scrivia (AL), in Piedmont, with its epicenter at the Castello dei Torriani e dei Bandello and the village squares.
How to get there
Castelnuovo Scrivia is located in the lower Scrivia Valley, a few kilometers north of Tortona, reachable via the A7 motorway (Tortona exit) and the A21. The reference railway station is Tortona.
Information and bookings
"Pierangelo Soldini" Municipal Library: tel. +39 0131 826754. For the historical pageant and costumes: +39 338 3551539.
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Where does it take place — In the Land of Bandello
Centro storico e Castello dei Torriani e dei Bandello