Palio dei Colombi
The medieval equestrian joust of Amelia's five districts
About Palio dei Colombi
Amelia Returns to the Middle Ages
The Palio dei Colombi is the most important historical event in Amelia, an ancient Umbrian city in the province of Terni, enclosed by some of the oldest polygonal walls in Italy. Every summer, the village transforms into a 14th-century town: for two weeks, the streets, squares, and palaces of the historic center host costumed parades, banquets, taverns, and competitions, culminating in the grand finale of the Palio itself.
The Five Districts and the Joust
The re-enactment is inspired by the Statutes of the People of 1346, which divided the city into five districts: Collis, Crux Burgi (or Burgus), Platea, Posterola, and Vallis. The districts compete in an equestrian joust and crossbow competitions. The Palio dei Colombi is one of the few Italian jousts to have maintained direct confrontation between knights, as it was in the Middle Ages. Victory is symbolically marked by the release of a dove, from which the event takes its name.
A Celebration for the Entire City
With approximately 600 costumed participants, the Palio involves the entire community of Amelia. The weeks of re-enactment include the opening of the five districts' taverns, where traditional dishes can be enjoyed, the Children's Parade and Palio, days dedicated to each district, performances by musicians and flag-throwers, the investiture of the horse, knight, and crossbowman, leading up to the Magna Historica Processio and the grand final historical parade that crosses the center to the competition field.
Palio dei Colombi — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Palio dei Colombi opens on July 18 with a press conference, the challenge banquet, and the presentation of the 2026 banner, culminating on Sunday, August 9, with the final joust among Amelia's five districts. Between these two dates, over three weeks of events transport the Umbrian city back to the 14th century, with the opening of taverns, days dedicated to each district, and official trials for knights and crossbowmen.
Programme Palio dei Colombi 2026
Saturday, July 18 — Opening
- Press conference, challenge banquet, and presentation of the 2026 banner
Sunday, July 19
- Medieval tournament
July 20–24 — District Corner
- July 20: Platea — July 21: Posterola — July 22: Vallis — July 23: Crux Burgi — July 24: Collis
Saturday, July 25
- Opening of the 5 district taverns
- Children's Parade and Palio
July 26
- Feast of Saint Anne — Platea District
July 27
- Popular games for children
July 28
- District Day
July 29
- "Mogol tells Mogol"
July 30
- Investiture of horse, knight, and crossbowman
July 31
- Performance by district musicians
August 1–2
- "Amelia in the Middle Ages"
August 3 and 5
- Official Palio trials (horses and knights)
August 6
- Official crossbowmen trials
August 7
- Arrival of the Podestà and oath ceremony
August 8
- Magna Historica Processio
Sunday, August 9 — Palio dei Colombi 2026
- Grand historical parade and final joust among the five districts
Highlights Palio dei Colombi 2026
Prices Palio dei Colombi 2026
Practical information — Palio dei Colombi
How to Get There
Amelia can be reached by car via the Orte-Terni highway; the nearest train station is Orte (Rome-Florence line), connected by bus. Events take place in the historic center and at the competition field on Viale dei Giardini.
Information
Ente Palio dei Colombi, tel. +39 0744 981189. The district taverns open on the days of the re-enactment; many events are free admission.
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Where does it take place — Palio dei Colombi
Centro storico di Amelia