Medieval Marsica Historical Pageant — The King's Passage

A medieval evening in the heart of Marsica

The Medieval Marsica Historical Pageant — The King's Passage is a historical re-enactment that brings the streets and squares of Trasacco to life every late August. Located in the Marsica area of the L'Aquila province, in the heart of Abruzzo, the event transports visitors back to 1268, when King Charles I of Anjou, fresh from his victory at the Battle of Tagliacozzo, crossed the Marsican territory toward Marruvium (modern-day San Benedetto dei Marsi), stopping in the ancient fishing village overlooking Lake Fucino.

History brought to life

The pageant stages the arrival of the Angevin sovereign, welcomed by the local nobility. Costumed performers, knights, ladies, flag-wavers, and musicians parade through the streets, recreating the atmosphere of the 13th-century Marsica. The re-enactment begins in Piazza Matteotti and winds through the historic center of Trasacco, dominated by the monumental Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino and the famous Torre Febonio, both witnesses to the town's long history.

The "Battle of Europe" project

The event is part of the broader cultural project "Medieval Marsica — The Battle of Europe. Men and peoples between culture and history", promoted by the Carlo I d'Anjou Cultural Studies Center, chaired by architect Lorenzo Fallocco, in collaboration with the Municipality of Trasacco and supported by the Carispaq Foundation. The project highlights the memory of the events of 1268 that changed the fate of Southern Italy, involving various Marsican towns such as Ovindoli, Gioia dei Marsi, and Scurcola Marsicana through parades and conferences.

A village with ancient roots

Trasacco boasts ancient origins: the Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino is considered one of the oldest churches in the Marsica region, and the village appears in medieval documents as a fiefdom linked to the County of Alba and the territory of Celano. The re-enactment of the Angevin king's passage thus weaves together grand European history and local identity, offering visitors a vivid and spectacular look at the medieval Marsica.

Environment and atmosphere

The event combines historical re-enactment with entertainment: musical accompaniments, flag-waving performances, and moments of animation transform the center of Trasacco into a scene from another era. Admission to the performances is free, creating a festive atmosphere that draws residents, history enthusiasts, and tourists visiting the Marsica during the Abruzzo summer.