La Venuta di Papa Urbano II

Banzi and Pope Urban II

Banzi, ancient Roman Bantia and today a village in the province of Potenza in the high Murgia, holds a precious historical memory: the visit of Pope Urban II, which in 1089 profoundly marked the community and its territory. One of Basilicata's most important medieval reenactments is dedicated to this event, organized by the Municipality of Banzi.

A spectacular medieval procession

The heart of the event is the grand historical procession, which brings the atmosphere of the Middle Ages back to the town center. Over one hundred costumed participants parade: ladies, knights, dignitaries, men-at-arms, and commoners, accompanied by musicians, drummers, and flag-throwers. Among the prominent figures are the Norman princes Roger and Bohemond, sons of Robert Guiscard, protagonists of the events that linked Banzi to great European history, up to the Crusades.

History Comes Alive

The reenactment is not just a spectacle; it's a journey into the medieval roots of the town, linked to the ancient abbey and Banzi's strategic role between the Normans and the Church. Meticulously crafted costumes, sets, and backdrops restore the solemnity of an era, in a choral narrative that involves the entire community.

An Event Not to Be Missed

Produced by the Municipality of Banzi with the support of the Basilicata Region and APT Basilicata, in collaboration with Fantastico Medioevo, the reenactment is a highly anticipated event in the Lucanian summer. For the visitor, it's an opportunity to experience the Middle Ages and discover an authentic village in the high Murgia, amidst Roman history, monasticism, and wheat landscapes.