Palio del Re
The fantasy medieval re-enactment of the Kingdom of Montefalcone in Acqualagna
About Palio del Re
Acqualagna Returns to the Middle Ages
Every year, at the beginning of June, the historic centre of Acqualagna — a small municipality in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino known throughout the Marche region as the truffle capital — dresses up for a festival and becomes the Kingdom of Montefalcone. It is the Palio del Re, a historical re-enactment with a fantasy twist that blends spectacle, tradition, and the great food and wine of the Urbino area.
The Three Districts and the Ludus Regalis
The heart of the event is the competition between the three districts (contrade) of the village: Mergens, Lame, and Pertusa. The three districts face each other in the Ludus Regalis, a series of tests of wit, skill, and endurance that determines which district will win the crown and give the Kingdom its new King. The competition is the common thread throughout all the days, experienced with great popular participation and healthy rivalry between the neighbourhoods.
Shows, Performers, and Medieval Market
During the festival days, Acqualagna comes alive with performers and companies that bring the splendour of the past back to life. Among the recurring acts are the Acrobati del Borgo with their juggling, Circateatro with stilt parades, the Mastri nel Tempo with their artisan market, the Corte di Giovedía with axe throwing, Ali della Terra with falconry displays, and Signo Gladii with historical combat and fencing. There are also jugglers, witches, fire performers, warriors, costume parades with horses and flags, ancient games, and live music. The medieval market, with taverns, encampments, and artisan shops, provides the backdrop for all the evenings.
White Truffle and Wines of the Colli Urbinate
Given that it's Acqualagna, food and wine play a leading role. The taverns offer the flavours of the Marche tradition and the inland Urbino area: the famous truffle, wild boar dishes, artisanal pasta, and the DOC wines of the Colli Urbinate. It's an opportunity to discover, in a medieval atmosphere, the products that have made this corner of the Marche famous.
An Event for the Whole Family
The Palio del Re is an event with free admission, designed to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. With shows, games, and activities for the younger ones, it is one of the most beloved re-enactments in the Pesaro hinterland, capable of attracting visitors from all over the Marche region and beyond.
Palio del Re — edition 2026
The 7th edition of the Palio del Re takes place in Acqualagna (PU) from June 6 to 14, 2026, with the three highlight days on June 6, 13, and 14. The village returns to being the Kingdom of Montefalcone with a packed program of events for the whole family.
The competition between the three districts Mergens, Lame, and Pertusa in the Ludus Regalis, the series of tests that awards the Kingdom's crown, is confirmed. Among the events are taverns with local flavours (truffle, wild boar, wines of the Colli Urbinate) and many itinerant shows. Admission remains free.
Programme Palio del Re 2026
The Three Main Days — June 6, 13, and 14, 2026
The event spans nine days (June 6-14), with the highlight moments on the three main festival days: Friday, June 6, Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14. The program is full of shows, music, and entertainment for the whole family.
The Districts' Challenge
- The three districts Mergens, Lame, and Pertusa face each other in the Ludus Regalis: a series of tests of wit, skill, and endurance to win the crown and proclaim the new King of the Kingdom of Montefalcone.
Shows and Performers
- Acrobati del Borgo — juggling
- Circateatro — stilt parades
- Mastri nel Tempo — medieval artisan market
- Corte di Giovedía — axe throwing demonstrations
- Ali della Terra — falconry displays
- Signo Gladii — historical combat and fencing
These are joined by jugglers, witches, fire performers, warriors, costume parades with horses and flags, ancient games, and live music.
Medieval Market and Taverns
Throughout the evenings, the village hosts the medieval market with encampments, artisan shops, and taverns offering truffle, wild boar, artisanal pasta, and DOC wines of the Colli Urbinate.
Detailed times and the full program are published on the official website paliodelre.com and on the event's social media channels.
Highlights Palio del Re 2026
Prices Palio del Re 2026
Practical information — Palio del Re
Where
Historic centre of Acqualagna (PU), Marche. The village is located along the Strada Statale Flaminia, easily accessible by car from the Fano-Grosseto highway (E78), Acqualagna exit.
How to get there
By car: SS73bis / E78, Acqualagna exit. By train: the nearest station is Fossombrone-Acqualagna-Pergola on the line, with onward bus connections. Nearest airports: Ancona-Falconara and Rimini.
Admission
Free for everyone. Event suitable for families with children.
Contacts
Official website: paliodelre.com — Email: [email protected] — Tel. +39 339 8712100. Updates and program on the official social media channels (Facebook and Instagram "Palio del Re").
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Where does it take place — Palio del Re
Centro storico di Acqualagna