Matildic Historical Pageant
The great medieval re-enactment of Matilde di Canossa at the foot of Bianello Castle
About Matildic Pageant
One of the largest medieval re-enactments in Italy
The Matildic Historical Pageant is the event that every year, in May, transforms Quattro Castella, in the Province of Reggio Emilia, into an authentic medieval village. Founded in 1955, it is today one of the most beloved and followed historical re-enactments in Emilia-Romagna, capable of attracting thousands of visitors and re-enactment groups from all over Italy and abroad (France, Belgium, Germany, Poland).
The story of Matilde di Canossa
The event celebrates one of the most powerful figures of the Italian Middle Ages: Matilde di Canossa, the "Great Countess" who dominated much of central-northern Italy between the 11th and 12th centuries. The episode re-enacted is the re-infeudation of May 1111, when Emperor Henry V of Franconia, a guest at Bianello Castle, confirmed Matilde's possessions and granted her the title of Imperial Vicar. A decisive moment in European history that is brought back to life right here, at the foot of the four towers that give the town its name.
The medieval village on the Prati di Bianello
The heart of the Pageant is the Prati di Bianello, where a large village is set up with over thirty encampments, taverns, craft markets, games, archery, and entertainment. For three days, there are duels, staged fencing, armed tournaments, historical dance and fire-eating shows, live music, and theatrical performances. Thousands of costumed participants bring the town streets and the meadows at the foot of the castle to life.
The highlights
- La Notte del Volgo (The Night of the Commoners): the evening opening on the parvis of the church of Sant'Antonino, with a medieval dinner, dances, and fireworks.
- Maggio 1111: the grand theatrical performance of the re-infeudation, directed by Valerio Di Benedetto.
- La Giostra delle Quattro Torri (The Joust of the Four Towers) and the Gioco del Ponte (The Bridge Game): the most anticipated knightly challenges.
- Il Corteo dei Fanciulli (The Children's Pageant): the parade of local children in costume.
An unmissable event for lovers of the Middle Ages, history, and the great Emilian popular traditions, in a village that has made Matildic memory its identity.
Matildic Pageant — edition 2026
The 60th edition of the Matildic Historical Pageant, from May 22nd to 24th, 2026, confirmed the event as one of the largest medieval re-enactments in Emilia-Romagna. On the Prati di Bianello, over thirty encampments and around a thousand re-enactors and extras animated three days of shows, duels, music, and taverns. Actress Francesca Cavallin played Matilde di Canossa and Marius Bizau Emperor Henry V, directed by Valerio Di Benedetto.
Programme Matildic Pageant 2026
Friday, May 22nd — La Notte del Volgo
- 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM — Opening on the parvis of the church of Sant'Antonino
- 8:30 PM — Medieval dinner organized by the Villici delle Quattro Castella group, with historical dances, staged fencing, and fire-eating shows
- 10:15 PM — Free concert by Paddy Rovers (Irish folk music)
Saturday, May 23rd — The Medieval Village
- 3:00 PM — Opening of the large village on the Prati di Bianello: encampments, markets, games, archery
- 8:00 PM — Knighting ceremony and evening shows
- In the evening — Giostra delle Quattro Torri (Joust of the Four Towers) and the new episode "La Battaglia della Nebbia" (The Battle of the Fog)
- 11:30 PM — Medieval dances
Sunday, May 24th — Maggio 1111
- 9:00 AM — Opening of the village and Corteo dei Fanciulli (Children's Pageant) with children from local schools
- 11:00 AM — Mass in historical costume
- 5:30 PM — Theatrical performance "Maggio 1111", the re-infeudation of Matilde di Canossa by Henry V (directed by Valerio Di Benedetto)
- Following — Giostra delle Quattro Torri and Gioco del Ponte
- 8:00 PM — Closing parade through the town streets
Highlights Matildic Pageant 2026
Prices Matildic Pageant 2026
Practical information — Matildic Pageant
How to get there
Quattro Castella is about 15 km from Reggio Emilia. By car: take the Reggio Emilia exit from the A1 motorway, then head towards Quattro Castella. By train: get off at Reggio Emilia station, then take a bus or taxi to Quattro Castella. The Prati di Bianello are within walking distance of the town center.
Tickets
Admission fee applies; tickets can only be purchased on-site. Indicative prices: daily ticket €6, two-day pass €8, residents €3, free for children under 12. For information: Comitato Matildico, tel. +39 335 546 2527.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the meadows. Numerous taverns offer medieval-themed food and drinks. Arrive early for the evening performance of "Maggio 1111", which is very popular.
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Where does it take place — Matildic Pageant
Prati di Bianello
Prati di Bianello, 42020 Quattro Castella