Palio di San Donato

Cividale returns to the Middle Ages

Every year, in August, Cividale del Friuli dons the attire of its glorious medieval past with the Palio di San Donato, one of the most beloved historical reenactments in Friuli Venezia Giulia. For three days, the historic center transforms into an open-air stage, populated by ladies, men-at-arms, knights, musicians, and participants in splendid period costumes.

A tournament with a long history

The Palio commemorates the ancient tournament in honor of San Donato, the city's patron saint, which was held every August 21st from the 14th century until 1797. The tradition, interrupted for over two centuries, was revived starting in 2000 by the Associazione Palio di San Donato, which has renewed and enriched it every year since.

The challenge of the five districts

The heart of the event is the competition between the five historic districts of Cividale - Borgo Duomo, Borgo Brossana, Borgo San Domenico, Borgo San Pietro, and Borgo di Ponte - which vie for the Palio in tests of archery, crossbow, and running. The races, accompanied by the cheers of their respective districts, are the most anticipated and engaging moments of the days.

Parades, taverns, and shows

Alongside the competitions, the Palio offers historical costume parades with nobles, ladies, men-at-arms, and knights, accompanied by ancient melodies. The streets of the center fill with medieval markets, taverns where you can taste dishes with ancient flavors, and performances by drummers, jugglers, fire-eaters, minstrels, and musicians, creating an atmosphere that engages both young and old.

Cividale, a Lombard jewel

Organized by the Associazione Palio di San Donato together with the Municipality of Cividale del Friuli, the Palio takes place in the unique setting of the Lombard city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between the Devil's Bridge, the Cathedral, the Lombard Temple, and the narrow streets of the center, the reenactment offers a dive into history in one of the most evocative places in eastern Friuli.