Notti Medievali

A dive into the Middle Ages at the gates of Terlizzi

As evening falls over the Santa Maria di Cesano abbey complex in the countryside of Terlizzi (Metropolitan City of Bari, Puglia), time seems to slip back eight centuries. It is here, along the ancient Via Traiana-Francigena, that Notti Medievali comes to life every year, standing as one of the most meticulously curated and recognized historical re-enactments in Southern Italy. The event transforms the entire abbey area into an immersive medieval village, where every corner tells a fragment of the life, art, and spectacle of the past.

Between history, art, and entertainment

The heart of Notti Medievali lies in the encounter between historical research and live performance. Over the two evenings, the program features theatrical plays, early music concerts by international groups, acrobatic theater and aerial dance, falconry displays with various birds of prey, and roaming performances that guide the audience from one setting to the next. The theatrical direction is led by Gianluca delle Fontane, while the artistic direction is curated by Michele Amendolagine, president of the organizing association.

Artisan workshops and ancient crafts

One of the most appreciated aspects of the event is the reconstruction of medieval artistic crafts. Along the path, visitors encounter artisans at work: illuminators, copyists, stonemasons, mosaic and ceramic masters, fresco painters, weavers, and embroiderers, as well as a luthier building musical instruments using traditional techniques. To complete the experience, a rich food and wine section offers Apulian specialties: grilled meats, caciocavallo impiccato, fried delicacies, sweets, and local products.

For families and children

Notti Medievali is an event designed with families in mind. The Villaggio dei Fanciulli e delle Donzelle (Children and Maidens' Village) welcomes kids with ancient rides made of natural materials, a catapult, puppet theater, archery, and pony rides. There is also a medieval military encampment featuring archery demonstrations and historical games.

National recognition

The quality of the event has been rewarded by the Ministry of Culture, which has included Notti Medievali among the beneficiaries of the National Fund for Historical Re-enactment for three consecutive years. The Municipality of Terlizzi has also formalized the event as a recurring civic appointment, recognizing its role in the territory's cultural development strategy. The event is organized by APS Torre Normanna with the patronage of the Municipality of Terlizzi, the Bari Chamber of Commerce, and the Fondazione Puglia.