Palio dei 10 Comuni del Montagnanese
A horse race, ten Municipalities in challenge, a city that returns to the Middle Ages
About Palio dei 10 Comuni
The Palio that Revives Scodosia
The Palio dei 10 Comuni del Montagnanese is the grand historical reenactment that transforms Montagnana, in the province of Padua, into an authentic medieval village every early September. Ten Municipalities of the ancient Scodosia — the historical territory around Montagnana — challenge each other in a horse race in the green moat running along the famous city walls, one of the most intact in Europe with its towers and 14th-century walkways.
Knights, Ladies, and Ancient Crafts
Throughout the event, the historic centre is populated by knights, ladies, archers, flag-wavers, jesters, and jugglers. The medieval market showcases ancient crafts, while the historical procession in costume traverses the village streets up to the walls. Highlights include the Archery Contest in the moat, the equestrian fire show with the burning of the Rocca, and, of course, the Palio Race, preceded by the Race of the Gonfalons.
A Tradition that Unites the Territory
More than just a race, the Palio is a festival of identity that strengthens the bond between Montagnana and the neighbouring Municipalities, each represented by its own colours and knights. The setting is the extraordinary medieval walls in the southern Veneto region, a few kilometres from the Euganean Hills, in a plain landscape dotted with villas and ancient churches.
Palio dei 10 Comuni — edition 2026
The Palio dei 10 Comuni del Montagnanese 2026 enlivens Montagnana from September 4th to 6th, with a packed weekend of costumed events in the historic centre and the moat of the walls. It begins on Friday with the Archery Contest and the evening fire show; the weekend continues with a medieval market, ancient crafts, a historical procession, and the spectacular Palio Race between the knights of the ten Municipalities.
Programme Palio dei 10 Comuni 2026
Friday, September 4th
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM — Archery Contest in the moat of the walls
- 10:00 PM — Equestrian fire show and burning of the Rocca
Saturday, September 5th
- Medieval market and entertainment in the village streets (flag-wavers, jesters, jugglers)
- Costumed exhibitions and historical settings
Sunday, September 6th
- 9:00 AM — Opening of the medieval market with ancient crafts
- 4:00 PM — Historical procession through the centre
- 5:00 PM — Palio Race among the 10 Municipalities, preceded by the Race of the Gonfalons
Indicative programme based on official information; times and events may be subject to change. Details at palio10comuni.it.
Highlights Palio dei 10 Comuni 2026
Burning of the Rocca with equestrian fire show on Friday evening and the Palio Race among the 10 Municipalities on Sunday afternoon.
Prices Palio dei 10 Comuni 2026
Practical information — Palio dei 10 Comuni
How to get there
Montagnana can be reached by car from the A13 Bologna-Padua (Monselice exit) or the A31. The train station is on the Mantua-Monselice line. The events take place in the historic centre and in the moat around the walls.
Information
For the updated programme, schedules, and grandstand tickets, consult the official website palio10comuni.it or write to [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Palio dei 10 Comuni
Mura medievali di Montagnana
Centro storico e mura medievali, 35044 Montagnana