Palio Storico di Albenga
Albenga returns to the 13th century with medieval reenactment and a challenge between districts
About Palio Storico di Albenga
Albenga in the Middle Ages
With its still-intact medieval towers, Albenga (Province of Savona) is the perfect natural setting for a historical reenactment. Every July, the Palio Storico di Albenga, organised by the Associazione Rievocatori Ingauni, takes the city back to the 13th century, when it was a thriving free commune. In 2026, the event will celebrate its sixteenth edition, making it one of the most important reenactment events on the Riviera di Ponente.
The Nundinae and Ancient Crafts
The first of the two weekends is dedicated to the Nundinae — ancient markets — and ancient crafts: the historic centre comes alive with stalls, artisans at work, costumed figures, and settings that reconstruct daily life in the Ligurian Middle Ages.
The Challenge Between the Four Districts
The second weekend is the highlight, with the Palio dei Quartieri: the city's four historic districts — San Giovanni, Santa Maria, San Siro, and Sant'Eulalia — compete in skill-based challenges, accompanied by historical parades and a competition that divides and excites the entire community. It is Albenga's great identity festival, capable of engaging generations of citizens, also thanks to extracurricular training projects that link the districts to local schools.
Palio Storico di Albenga — edition 2026
The 16th edition of the Palio Storico di Albenga takes place over two weekends in July 2026. From July 10 to 12, the Nundinae and ancient crafts animate the historic centre with medieval markets and reenactments; from July 16 to 19, the Palio dei Quartieri unfolds, with the challenge between the four historic districts. The setting is the 13th century, when Albenga was a free commune.
Programme Palio Storico di Albenga 2026
First weekend (10-12 July) — The Nundinae and Ancient Crafts
- Medieval markets (Nundinae) in the historic centre
- Reenactment of ancient crafts with artisans and costumed figures
- 13th-century style settings and parades
Second weekend (16-19 July) — The Palio dei Quartieri
- Challenges between the four historic districts: San Giovanni, Santa Maria, San Siro, and Sant'Eulalia
- Historical costume parades
- Skill contests for the awarding of the Palio
The detailed hourly schedule will be published by the Associazione Rievocatori Ingauni in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Palio Storico di Albenga 2026
Prices Palio Storico di Albenga 2026
Practical information — Palio Storico di Albenga
How to get there
By train: Albenga station on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line. By car: A10 motorway, Albenga exit, then follow signs to the historic centre.
Admission
Events are spread throughout the historic centre; some activities may require a ticket. Info at www.rievocatoriingauni.it.
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Where does it take place — Palio Storico di Albenga
Centro storico di Albenga
Centro storico, 17031 Albenga