Montecarlo - Return to the Middle Ages

A dive into the 15th century on the hills of Montecarlo

Perched on a hill in the Valdinievole, just a few kilometers from Lucca, the village of Montecarlo preserves walls, narrow alleys, and a fortress that seem tailor-made for historical re-enactment. Every year, for an entire weekend, the historic center of the Municipality of Montecarlo, in Tuscany, travels back in time with "Montecarlo - Return to the Middle Ages", an event organized by the Gruppo Storico Montecarlese that turns squares and streets into an authentic 15th-century village.

Ladies, peasants, archers, and soldiers

Walking through the village streets, you will encounter characters from the past: ladies and nobles in period costumes, peasants, archers, and soldiers who recreate the daily life of the Middle Ages. The heart of the festival lies in the historical pageants, accompanied by the melodies and choreography of the Drum Corps, which parade through the historic center several times throughout the days.

Games, shows, and demonstrations

The program is packed with activities for both adults and children:

• Archery and traditional medieval games, such as "palla in buca" and the nutcracker challenge
• Catapult demonstrations and falconry displays
• Flag-waver performances and the evocative wheel of fortune
• Medieval market with numerous artisans bringing the arts and crafts of the past to life (potters, coppersmiths, stonemasons)
• Guided tours of the village and the Fortezza del Cerruglio

A particularly heartfelt moment is dedicated to the little ones: works created by children from local nursery schools, born from their collaboration with the artisans of the Historical Group, are presented as a way to pass on memories and traditions to the new generations.

Flavors and hospitality

Along Via Roma and in the taverns set up for the occasion, there is no shortage of food and wine: trattorias, inns, and refreshment points offer traditional dishes in a convivial atmosphere that keeps visitors entertained until the evening. Montecarlo is also famous for its wine, and a stroll through its cellars completes the village experience.

A defining event for Montecarlo

"Return to the Middle Ages" has become one of the most anticipated events in the calendar of the Province of Lucca and a benchmark for historical re-enactment enthusiasts in Tuscany. The event, which offers free admission, highlights the village's heritage and the voluntary commitment of the Gruppo Storico Montecarlese, which has been preserving and telling the story of the territory for decades.