Ludi Borgiani

The Ludi Borgiani: The Renaissance comes to life in Civita Castellana

The Ludi Borgiani is the grand historical re-enactment of Civita Castellana, a town in the Tuscia region of Viterbo, Lazio. Every year in May, the historic center transforms into a living fresco of the Renaissance, transporting residents and visitors back to the time when the Borgia family dominated these lands. The event specifically celebrates the arrival of Pope Alexander VI Borgia, who chose Civita Castellana as his papal seat in 1502, briefly turning it into a magnificent center of power.

Processions, jousts, and period costumes

The heart of the Ludi Borgiani is the grand historical pageant that reconstructs the Pope's solemn entrance: over a hundred participants in armor, ladies and knights, musicians, and flag-wavers parade through the narrow streets of the village, reviving the splendor of the early 16th century. Alongside the processions are the two most anticipated events, the Archery Palio and the Ring Palio, which take place at the Falerii Veteres amphitheater, pitting the town's districts against each other in tests of skill and dexterity.

A village in celebration

During the ten-day program, the historic center buzzes with taverns serving traditional dishes, traditional games in Piazza Matteotti, street theater performances, flag-waving displays, exhibitions, and guided tours following in the footsteps of the Borgias. There is no shortage of cultural moments, such as conferences dedicated to art and society under the Borgias and theatrical performances, which add a layer of historical reflection to the festivities.

• Where: Historic center of Civita Castellana, Forte Sangallo, and Falerii Veteres amphitheater
• When: May, with ten days of events
• Symbols: Procession of Pope Alexander VI, Archery Palio, and Ring Palio
• Setting: Forte Sangallo, home to the Archaeological Museum of the Agro Falisco

A community heritage in Tuscia

More than just a festival, the Ludi Borgiani represent a moment of community gathering and collective identity for Civita Castellana, showcasing local history and attracting an ever-growing audience. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Civita Castellana, the Ministry of Culture, the Lazio Region, the Province of Viterbo, and ENIT, confirming its role in the tourism and cultural promotion of the Faliscan territory. Walking through the village during the Ludi means discovering, beyond the festival, a historic center rich in monuments, from the Cosmatesque Cathedral to the imposing Forte Sangallo that watches over the city.