Palio of the 10 Municipalities of Montagnanese
Edition 2026 Equestrian show Heritage Medieval

Palio of the 10 Municipalities of Montagnanese

A horse race, ten Municipalities in challenge, a city that returns to the Middle Ages

Montagnana — Padova (028)
Dates 04 Sep — 06 Sep 2026
Location Montagnana (028)
Prices —
Status Confirmed

About Palio of the 10 Municipalities

Every first Sunday of September, Montagnana, one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe, returns to the Middle Ages for the Palio of the 10 Municipalities of Montagnanese. Ten Municipalities of the ancient Scodosia challenge each other in a horse race in the green moat surrounding the mighty 14th-century walls. Three days of historical procession, medieval market, ancient crafts, archery contest, equestrian fire show, and burning of the Rocca, with knights, ladies, flag-wavers, and jesters animating the streets of the Padua town.

The Palio that Revives Scodosia

The Palio of the 10 Municipalities of Montagnanese is the grand historical re-enactment 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 that runs along the famous city walls, one of the most intact in Europe with its 14th-century towers and walkways.

Knights, Ladies, and Ancient Crafts

Throughout the event, the historic center is populated by knights, ladies, archers, flag-wavers, jesters, and jugglers. The medieval market showcases ancient crafts, while the historical procession in costume crosses the town's 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 neighboring Municipalities, each represented by its own colors and knights. The setting is the extraordinary medieval walls in southern Veneto, a few kilometers from the Euganean Hills, in a plain landscape dotted with villas and ancient churches.

Palio of the 10 Municipalities — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Palio of the 10 Municipalities of Montagnanese takes place from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Montagnana. Three days of historical re-enactment with archery contest, equestrian fire show, burning of the Rocca, medieval market, historical procession, and the Palio Race among the 10 Municipalities in the moat around the walls.

The Palio of the 10 Municipalities of Montagnanese 2026 enlivens Montagnana from September 4th to 6th, with a packed weekend of costumed events in the historic center and the moat. 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 among the knights of the ten Municipalities.

Programme Palio of the 10 Municipalities 2026

Friday, September 4

  • 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 5

  • Medieval market and entertainment in the village streets (flag-wavers, jesters, jugglers)
  • Costumed historical performances and displays

Sunday, September 6

  • 9:00 AM — Opening of the medieval market with ancient crafts
  • 4:00 PM — Historical procession through the center
  • 5:00 PM — Palio Race among the 10 Municipalities, preceded by the Race of the Gonfalons

Indicative program based on official information; times and events may be subject to change. Details at palio10comuni.it.

Highlights Palio of the 10 Municipalities 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 of the 10 Municipalities 2026

<p>Some shows are free admission; for the Palio Race and grandstands, tickets are also available via Eventbrite. Consult the official website for prices and advance booking.</p>

Practical information — Palio of the 10 Municipalities

How to get there

Montagnana can be reached by car from the A13 Bologna-Padova (Monselice exit) or the A31. The train station is on the Mantua-Monselice line. The events take place in the historic center and in the moat around the walls.

Information

For the updated program, 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 of the 10 Municipalities

Mura medievali di Montagnana

Centro storico e mura medievali, 35044 Montagnana

Contact Palio of the 10 Municipalities

Tel
+39 0429 800448

Palio of the 10 Municipalities in brief

Equestrian show Heritage Medieval Historical reenactment Folk traditions Folklore Sport Outdoor Padova

History of Palio of the 10 Municipalities