Malmantile Medieval Festival
Two weekends of historical re-enactment within the walls of Malmantile Castle
About Malmantile Medieval Festival
A dive into the Middle Ages within the walls of Malmantile
The Malmantile Medieval Festival is one of the most evocative historical re-enactments in the province of Florence. It takes place in Malmantile, a small fortified hamlet in the municipality of Lastra a Signa, Tuscany, where the Malmantile Castle and its 14th-century walls provide an exceptional backdrop. For two weekends, the entire village is transformed: cobblestone streets, gateways, and walkways come alive with the atmosphere of the late Middle Ages, complete with torches, banners, and artisan workshops.
The history of the festival
The event was born in 1994 from the enthusiasm of a group of local youths, captivated by the castle's medieval setting. Since then, it has grown into a staple of the Florentine calendar. It is organized by the Confraternita Misericordia di Malmantile: all proceeds from the festival go toward supporting and enhancing the social and welfare activities of this volunteer association, giving the re-enactment a strong charitable purpose.
What to expect during the festival
Along the historic walls, a medieval market comes to life, showcasing the arts and crafts of yesteryear—a journey through the techniques and tools of the past that reveals how people lived and worked centuries ago. Throughout the event, free art workshops and experiential trails are also offered, designed for families and children alike.
- Military encampments with historical education and sword fighting
- Historical pageants in costume with over 150 performers
- Flag-wavers, musicians, minstrels, and wandering jugglers
- Theatrical performances, and medieval and Renaissance dances
- Falconers and bird-of-prey flight demonstrations
- Taverns and food stalls serving medieval-inspired dishes
A local landmark
More than just a village fair, the Malmantile re-enactment is an event that attracts thousands of visitors every year from across Tuscany and beyond. The combination of an authentic setting like the walled village, the attention to historical detail, and the spirit of volunteerism that drives it makes it a standout event in the landscape of medieval re-enactments in the province of Florence. Entry is by a minimum donation of 3 euros per person, in support of the Misericordia.
Malmantile Medieval Festival — edition 2026
Malmantile Medieval Festival 2026 — 31st Edition
The thirty-first edition of the re-enactment was held over two weekends, May 30-31 and June 6-7, 2026, inside and around the walls of Malmantile Castle, a hamlet of Lastra a Signa in the province of Florence. On Saturdays, the opening was scheduled from 7:00 PM, and on Sundays from 4:00 PM.
Along the historic walls, the medieval market showcased the arts and crafts of the past, accompanied by free workshops and experiential trails. The event, organized by the Confraternita Misericordia di Malmantile, donated all proceeds to the association's social and welfare activities.
Programme Malmantile Medieval Festival 2026
Structure of the event
The festival was spread over two weekends, with the castle opening on Saturdays from 7:00 PM and Sundays from 4:00 PM. Highlights documented for the 2026 edition included:
- Medieval market along the walls, featuring reproductions of arts and crafts and demonstrations of past working techniques and tools
- Medieval encampment curated by the Cultura e Historia Mundi Group, with camp activities, historical education, and sword fighting
- Theatrical performances, musicians, and wandering jugglers through the village streets
- Free art workshops and experiential trails for the duration of the festival
- Historical costumed pageants with over 150 performers, taverns, and food stalls
The detailed daily program was published on the official event website.
Highlights Malmantile Medieval Festival 2026
- 31st edition held over two weekends (May 30-31 and June 6-7, 2026)
- Military encampment with sword fighting by the Cultura e Historia Mundi Group
- Medieval arts and crafts market along the castle walls
- Over 150 costumed performers, musicians, and wandering jugglers
- Free workshops and experiential trails
Prices Malmantile Medieval Festival 2026
Practical information — Malmantile Medieval Festival
How to get there
Malmantile is a hamlet of Lastra a Signa, in the province of Florence. By car from the FI-PI-LI expressway: take the Firenze-Scandicci exit toward Lastra a Signa, or the Ginestra Fiorentina exit if arriving from Pisa or Livorno, then follow signs for Malmantile. During the festival, a free shuttle bus service runs from the parking areas to the castle.
Opening hours
The festival opens at 7:00 PM on Saturdays, and at 4:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays.
Admission
Entry is by a minimum donation of 3 euros per person. Proceeds support the social and welfare activities of the Confraternita Misericordia di Malmantile.
Contact
Confraternita Misericordia di Malmantile, Piazza Piave 1, Malmantile (Lastra a Signa). Phone +39 055 8729700, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Malmantile Medieval Festival
Castello di Malmantile
Piazza Piave 1, 50055 Lastra a Signa