Journey Through Time in Arceto

A Village Returns to the Renaissance

Journey Through Time in Arceto is a historical re-enactment that for an afternoon transforms the village of Arceto, a hamlet of Scandiano in the province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna), into an authentic living museum. The initiative was born from the collaboration between the Parish of Arceto, the Terra Nobile Association, and the San Luigi Fair Committee, under the patronage of the Municipality of Scandiano, and has won over the public of the Reggio area since its first edition.

Seven Stages in the Heart of the Village

The guided tour winds through seven stages of the historic center, starting from Piazza Pighini, home to the Civic Tower. Visitors are organized into groups with departures every twenty minutes, for a visit lasting approximately two and a half hours. Among the places opened for the occasion are spaces normally closed to the public:

• the private wing of Arceto Castle, accessible exceptionally;
• the historic ice house, an ancient private property used for ice storage;
• the Civic Tower in Piazza Pighini;
• the Oratory of San Rocco from 1578;
• the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, of medieval origins;
• the rectory, with its museum of sacred furnishings.

Costumed Figures and Historical Personalities

About fifty costumed figures bring the village scenes to life: guards, heralds, friars, and commoners accompany the visitor, while illustrious figures from local history such as Count Giovanni Boiardo and his wife Giulia Gambara, Cardinal Sebastiano Pighini, and the humanist Sebastiano Corradi are brought back to life. The setting is the late 15th century and the Renaissance, told through medieval games, exhibitions of historical portraits, and the animation of the village streets.

Flavors of the Territory

The event concludes with the tradition of Emilian gastronomy, with a tasting of local excellences: from the fragrant fried gnocco to the erbazzone, accompanied by wines from the Reggio hills. An opportunity to combine the discovery of Arceto's historical-artistic heritage with the pleasure of good food, in an event designed for families and visitors of all ages.