Once Upon a Time… Albiano 1266
The medieval re-enactment that transports Albiano Magra back to the 13th century
About Albiano 1266
A dive into the Middle Ages in the heart of Lunigiana
Every year, at the end of June, the village of Albiano Magra — a hamlet in the municipality of Aulla, in the province of Massa-Carrara — transforms into a 13th-century settlement. Once Upon a Time… Albiano 1266 is the historical re-enactment that celebrates the village's founding year, 1266, bringing its alleys, squares, and medieval cellars back to the atmosphere of a bygone era for three nights. It is one of the most cherished summer events in Lunigiana, a land of castles and stone villages nestled between Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia.
What to expect during the event
From sunset until midnight, the historic center fills with costumed performers: flag-wavers, musicians, falconers, archers, jugglers, and fire-eaters bring scenes of medieval daily life, combat, and itinerant performances to life. Among the companies that have enlivened the event over the years are the Arcieri dello Spino Fiorito, the Falconieri del Granducato di Toscana, the Compagnia della Spada, and the Giullari del Carretto.
A medieval market winds through the village streets with artisans and workshops, while taverns and food stalls offer typical Tuscan and Lunigiana dishes. There are also spaces dedicated to children, with educational workshops, themed games, and tests of skill to earn the title of Best Knight and Best Court Lady.
A local event
The event is organized by the volunteers of the APS Viviamo Albiano (formerly the Pro Loco of Albiano Magra), who carefully reconstruct the village's medieval setting every year. Admission is free, making it an event suitable for families, curious visitors, and history enthusiasts alike. Albiano 1266 is part of the rich calendar of historical re-enactments that light up the villages of Lunigiana every summer, highlighting their historical heritage and popular traditions.
Where it takes place
The event is held in the historic village of Albiano Magra, in Aulla, in the heart of Lunigiana. Its location, at the gateway to the valley and a short distance from the Ligurian border, makes it easily accessible for those arriving from the La Spezia Riviera and Versilia.
Albiano 1266 — edition 2026
The tenth edition of Once Upon a Time… Albiano 1266 brings the village of Albiano Magra back to the 13th century for three evenings, from Friday, June 26th to Sunday, June 28th, 2026, from 7:00 PM to midnight. The alleys of the historic center will host flag-waver and musician performances, falconry and archery displays, jugglers, and fire-eaters, alongside a medieval market and taverns serving typical Lunigiana and Tuscan dishes. There is also space for children with workshops and themed games. The event is organized by APS Viviamo Albiano and admission is free.
Programme Albiano 1266 2026
Event Structure
For all three evenings, from 7:00 PM to midnight, the village of Albiano Magra hosts re-enactments and itinerant shows along the alleys and squares of the historic center:
- Live performances — flag-wavers, musicians, armed combat, falconry and archery displays, jugglers, and fire-eaters.
- Historical companies — groups that regularly animate the event include: Arcieri dello Spino Fiorito, Falconieri del Granducato di Toscana, Compagnia della Spada, and Giullari del Carretto.
- Medieval market — artisans, shops, and costumed stalls along the village streets.
- Taverns and food stalls — dishes of Tuscan and Lunigiana cuisine.
- Children's area — educational workshops, games, and tests of skill to earn the diploma of Best Knight and Best Court Lady.
The detailed program for each evening, including show times, will be published by APS Viviamo Albiano on their official Facebook page in the days leading up to the event.
Highlights Albiano 1266 2026
- Three evenings of medieval re-enactment in the village founded in 1266
- Flag-wavers, falconers, archers, jugglers, and fire-eaters
- Medieval market and taverns with Tuscan and Lunigiana cuisine
- Workshops and games for children
- Free admission
Prices Albiano 1266 2026
Practical information — Albiano 1266
When
Three evenings at the end of June (2026 edition: from Friday, June 26th to Sunday, June 28th), from 7:00 PM to midnight.
Where
Historic village of Albiano Magra, hamlet of Aulla (54011), province of Massa-Carrara, Tuscany.
Admission
Free and open to the public.
How to get there
Albiano Magra can be reached by car via the A15 motorway (Parma–La Spezia, Aulla exit) and the SS62 della Cisa road. The reference train station is Aulla Lunigiana. It is recommended to park in the areas outside the historic center, which becomes pedestrian-only during the event.
Contacts
APS Viviamo Albiano — [email protected] — official Facebook page of the event.
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Where does it take place — Albiano 1266
Borgo storico di Albiano Magra