Ottobre Trevano — Palio dei Terzieri
An entire month of the Middle Ages in the village of Trevi: the challenge between the Terzieri Castello, Matiggia, and Piano
About Palio dei Terzieri
A Month of the Middle Ages in Trevi
Every October, the village of Trevi, perched among the olive groves of the province of Perugia, rediscovers its medieval soul with Ottobre Trevano: an entire month of historical re-enactments, district challenges, ancient flavors, markets, shows, and gastronomy. It is one of the most cherished medieval events in Umbria and all of Central Italy.
The Palio dei Terzieri
The centerpiece is the Palio dei Terzieri, which since 1980 recalls the tenacity with which the young people of Trevi revived their city from the destruction of 1214, an act by the people of Spoleto at the behest of Duke Theopoldo. The city is divided into three districts, the Terzieri:
- Castello — a castle on a white and blue background;
- Matiggia — a black tower on a yellow field, recalling the 14th-century Matiggia Tower;
- Piano — red spade and plowshare, symbols of agricultural work.
The Cart Race
The most anticipated moment is the cart race: each Terziere fields twenty young 'Portacolori' (standard-bearers) who, alternating in a relay, pull and push a 430 kg wooden cart along an 800-meter uphill course, from Porta Nuova to Piazza del Comune. At the finish line, the 'bàlio' must snatch the key from the right hand of the 'Mora', the wooden statue, to open the tower door. The Terziere that finishes with the lowest overall time and the fewest irregularities wins.
Not Just the Palio
Throughout the month, the historic center hosts the Convivium with Allegories, the Sound Challenge between the Terzieri's drummers, the Children's Palio, Scenes of Medieval Life, district taverns, and a medieval market with chestnut roasts. Concurrently, the historic Black Celery and Sausage Fair takes place, showcasing local gastronomic excellences of the Trevi area.
Palio dei Terzieri — edition 2026
For 2026, Ottobre Trevano returns to animate the historic center of Trevi, in the province of Perugia, for the entire month. The cart race of the Palio dei Terzieri is traditionally held on the first Sunday of October — in 2026, Sunday, October 4 — when the 'Portacolori' of Castello, Matiggia, and Piano compete along the 800 meters uphill to Piazza del Comune. In the following weeks, the Convivium, the Sound Challenge of the drummers, the Children's Palio, Scenes of Medieval Life, district taverns, the medieval market, and chestnut roasts will take place.
Programme Palio dei Terzieri 2026
The detailed schedule for the 2026 edition will be published on the official website terzieri.it in the weeks prior. The established structure of the event includes:
Opening — first weekend of October
- Convivium and Allegories in the taverns of the three Terzieri
Sunday, October 4 — Cart Race
- Around 2:30 PM — Palio dei Terzieri: 430 kg cart race over 800 meters uphill from Porta Nuova to Piazza del Comune
Second weekend
- Sound Challenge: competition between the Terzieri's drummers
- Children's Palio: medieval skill games for the little ones
Third weekend
- Scenes of Medieval Life: re-enactments by the three districts
Last weekend
- Medieval market and chestnut roast
Final program and times at terzieri.it.
Highlights Palio dei Terzieri 2026
Prices Palio dei Terzieri 2026
Practical information — Palio dei Terzieri
How to get there
Trevi is located along the Via Flaminia (SS3), about 40 km from Perugia. Trevi station is on the Foligno–Spoleto line; the historic center is a few kilometers from the station (local bus connections or taxi). By car, take the Trevi exit from the SS3 Flaminia.
Tickets
Various Palio events require a ticket (ranging from approximately 2 to 15 euros depending on the event and seating); other moments during the month are free to enter. Advance sales and information are available on the official website terzieri.it.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Palio dei Terzieri
Centro storico di Trevi
Piazza Mazzini 21, 06039 Trevi