Le Notti della Contea
Edition 2026 Street theater Street arts Gastronomy

Le Notti della Contea

The grand historical re-enactment in the ancient village of Conversano

Conversano — Bari (272) Since 2012
Dates 07 Aug — 09 Aug 2026
Location Conversano (272)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Le Notti della Contea

Every summer, the ancient village of Conversano, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, travels back in time with Le Notti della Contea, one of the most evocative historical re-enactments in Puglia. Between the Aragonese Castle and the narrow streets of the old town, the splendor of the Acquaviva d'Aragona county comes to life: military camps, ancient craft workshops, jesters, jugglers, medieval taverns, and the grand Multi-Era Historical Pageant bring three evenings of entertainment, culture, and gastronomy to life. An immersive journey between the Middle Ages and the Baroque, designed for the whole family.

Le Notti della Contea: The Middle Ages come alive in Conversano

Le Notti della Contea is the grand historical re-enactment event that brings the ancient village of Conversano to life every summer. Located in the Murgia dei Trulli area within the Metropolitan City of Bari, Puglia, the town transforms for three evenings into an open-air theater, reviving the glory of the County of Conversano and the powerful Acquaviva d'Aragona family, who dominated this corner of the Terra di Bari for centuries.

A city that becomes a stage

The heart of the event is the evocative setting of the Aragonese Castle and Piazza Castello, surrounded by military camps, ancient craft workshops, art exhibitions, and educational trails. Visitors wander through medieval alleys, encountering ladies and knights, merchants, artisans, and clergy, while jesters, jugglers, and theater troupes animate every corner of the village with roving performances.

The Multi-Era Historical Pageant

The highlight of the festival is the grand Multi-Era Historical Pageant, which brings together hundreds of re-enactors from all over Italy for a spectacular procession through the city streets. Flag-wavers, musicians, costumed performers, and historical groups march to reconstruct different eras, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque, in one of the most popular parades in Puglia.

Gastronomy and flavors of yesteryear

  • Medieval taverns and inns serving traditional dishes
  • Gastronomic area with tastings and craft beer
  • The characteristic currency exchange from Euros to the Ducato Apuliense, the event's official currency
  • Conferences, historical insights, and special openings of monuments

A local cultural project

The event is organized by the SensAzioni del Sud Cultural Association together with the Gruppo Storico Città di Conversano, with the support of the Municipality of Conversano. Each edition revolves around a central theme that weaves together history, power, and the events of the county, offering the public an experience that combines entertainment, historical education, and the promotion of the ancient village's heritage.

Le Notti della Contea — edition 2026

The eleventh edition of Le Notti della Contea will be held in Conversano from August 7 to 9, 2026, with the theme 'Woman and Power'. The ancient village celebrates the 410th anniversary of the appointment of Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d'Aragona as Count of Conversano, featuring camps, ancient crafts, shows, and the grand historical pageant.

Le Notti della Contea 2026 - 11th Edition

From August 7 to 9, 2026, the ancient village of Conversano hosts the eleventh edition of Le Notti della Contea, dedicated to the theme «Woman and Power». The event celebrates the 410th anniversary of the appointment of Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d'Aragona as Count of Conversano.

For three evenings, Piazza Castello and the alleys of the old town come alive with military camps, ancient craft workshops, medieval games, jester and juggler shows, taverns, and a gastronomic area with craft beer, as well as conferences, exhibitions, and special monument openings. The grand finale features the Multi-Era Historical Pageant.

The detailed program with times, guests, and evening appointments will be published by the organizers on the official website in the weeks leading up to the event.

Programme Le Notti della Contea 2026

Event spread over three evenings (August 7-9, 2026) in the ancient village and Piazza Castello: military camps, ancient craft workshops, medieval games, roving jester and juggler shows, medieval taverns, gastronomic area with craft beer, currency exchange into Ducato Apuliense, conferences and historical exhibitions, and special monument openings. Grand finale with the Multi-Era Historical Pageant. Detailed times and guest information will be communicated by the organizers.

Highlights Le Notti della Contea 2026

11th edition with the theme «Woman and Power»; 410th anniversary of the appointment of Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d'Aragona as Count; Multi-Era Historical Pageant; camps and ancient crafts in the ancient village.

Prices Le Notti della Contea 2026

Free admission to the village streets. Tastings, medieval taverns, and some activities require payment. Details at www.lenottidellacontea.it.

Practical information — Le Notti della Contea

Getting there

By car: Conversano is accessible via the SS16 Adriatica and the SP237; the old town is just minutes from the exit. By train: Conversano station on the Ferrovie del Sud Est line (connections from Bari). By plane: Bari-Palese airport is approximately 40 km away.

Admission and hours

Access to the village streets is free; the evenings take place mainly at night, starting from 8:00 PM. Some activities, tastings, and medieval dining require payment. We recommend checking the official website for the detailed program and any ticket information.

Tips

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the cobblestone streets of the old town. Ample parking is available near the center; on event evenings, it is advisable to arrive early.

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Where does it take place — Le Notti della Contea

Borgo Antico e Castello Aragonese

Piazza Castello, 70014 Conversano

Contact Le Notti della Contea

Tel
+39 375 6157772

Le Notti della Contea in brief

Street theater Street arts Gastronomy Heritage History Medieval Historical reenactment Folk traditions Folklore Art crafts Outdoor Night Bari

History of Le Notti della Contea