Montemurlo Historical Pageant - Re-enactment of the 1537 Battle

A page of Tuscan history comes alive in Montemurlo

The Montemurlo Historical Pageant is one of the most heartfelt Renaissance re-enactments in the Province of Prato and throughout Tuscany. Every year, at the start of summer, the village of Oste and the historic center of Montemurlo step back in time to commemorate the 1537 Battle of Montemurlo, one of the decisive episodes in the history of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The event is organized by the Montemurlo Historical Group in collaboration with the Municipality of Montemurlo and the local Pro Loco.

The Battle of 1537

On August 2, 1537, at the Montemurlo Fortress, the troops of the young Duke Cosimo I de' Medici clashed with republican exiles led by Filippo Strozzi and Baccio Valori, who were hostile to Medici rule and had gathered in local villas while waiting to march on Florence. The resistance of the exiles, barricaded in the Fortress, was tenacious, but the Medici forces prevailed, and the castle was engulfed in flames. This victory marked the definitive consolidation of Medici power over Tuscany. It is this chapter of history that the Pageant brings back to life every year through the streets of the town.

The Renaissance village and the program

For the event, the village of Oste becomes an authentic Renaissance village. From the afternoon, visitors can explore historical encampments, watch demonstrations of ancient crafts, enjoy period games, participate in mosaic workshops, and see falconry displays. The heart of the day is the district Palio of Oste, featuring "games of yesteryear" where districts compete in feats of skill and strength to win the palio banner, created by students from the "Umberto Brunelleschi" Art High School.

• The Taverns: In the evening, food stalls open, serving Tuscan specialties prepared by local associations.
• The Pageant: At night, hundreds of figures in 16th-century costumes parade through the streets of Oste to Piazza Amendola, where the ceremony and the symbolic handing over of the Castle key to the mayor take place.
• Summer Additions: The actual re-enactment of the battle concludes the event in the following weeks, featuring a historical night walk and a fire show.

A community event

The Historical Pageant is, above all, a celebration of Montemurlo's identity, capable of involving schools, associations, and districts. In 2026, the event also celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the twinning between Montemurlo and Bovino (in the Province of Foggia), testifying to the bond between the two communities. For those visiting Tuscany away from the most crowded destinations, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic village and a re-enactment curated with historical detail.