Monticulum Anno Domini 1114

A medieval festival in the heart of Emilia-Romagna

Monticulum Anno Domini 1114 is the medieval historical re-enactment that every year, at the beginning of summer, enlivens the Parco dell'Enza in Montecchio Emilia, a municipality in the province of Reggio Emilia in Emilia-Romagna. For an entire weekend, the park transforms into a lively 12th-century village, populated by historical encampments, artisans, musicians, ladies, and knights. The organization is handled by the Pro Loco Montecchio Emilia along with the flag wavers and musicians of the Maestà della Battaglia of Quattro Castella, the Sipario Aperto association, the Contrade di Canossa, the Municipality of Montecchio Emilia, and the Polisportiva L'Arena.

The story: Matilda of Canossa and the village of Monticulum

The event commemorates a documented episode that occurred on June 15, 1114, when the powerful Great Countess Matilda of Canossa arrived in the ancient fortified village then called Monticulum. The boni homines, the representatives of the community, presented her with the economic difficulties of the territory and officially asked her for a tax reduction, which the Countess granted, forging a deep bond with the inhabitants. This historical moment is the narrative heart of the festival and is re-enacted every year with the grand costume re-enactment.

The re-enactment program

The weekend offers a rich calendar of events suitable for the whole family:

• Medieval market with artisans, typical products, and period curiosities;
• Historical encampments open to the public, with demonstrations of daily life, weapons, and armor;
• Weapon fights and historical fencing demonstrations by re-enactment groups;
• Fire shows, jugglers, musicians, and itinerant jesters;
• Medieval dances by the Contrade di Canossa;
• The historical pageant and the re-enactment of the 1114 meeting between Matilda and the inhabitants;
• Activities and games for children, such as a medieval treasure hunt and a tournament for the little ones.

Atmosphere and tradition

Monticulum is now an eagerly awaited event on the Reggio Emilia summer calendar: it combines historical education with entertainment, bringing to life the suggestions of the Emilian Middle Ages in a green and evocative setting like the Parco dell'Enza. Each year, the organizers introduce new historical groups and new shows, thus renewing the experience for those who return every year. The festival is an opportunity to discover Montecchio Emilia, its roots linked to the Matilda defensive system, and the historical identity of the lands of Canossa.