Rievocandum 1557 – Gold and Black Powder
The grand re-enactment of the Farnese Battle in San Polo d'Enza
About Rievocandum 1557
A Journey into 1557, on the outskirts of Reggio Emilia
Rievocandum 1557 – Gold and Black Powder is one of the most impressive historical re-enactments in the municipality of San Polo d'Enza, in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. For three days, the field in Via Vedruzzo transforms into a large Renaissance village where military encampments, artisan workshops, bustling taverns, and costume parades coexist. The event is organised by ASM Contrada della Corte, an association active since the 1980s in the faithful recreation of 16th-century life and battles.
The Farnese Battle, the heart of the event
The most anticipated moment is the re-enactment of the Farnese Battle of 1557, the clash that gives the subtitle "Gold and Black Powder" to the entire festival. Hundreds of heavily armoured infantrymen face each other on the field, accompanied by cannons and Renaissance weapons, while the black powder from arquebuses fills the air. The military companies come not only from Italy but also from various European countries – Spain, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany – confirming the international scope of the re-enactment.
Historical Market, Taverns, and Archers' Village
Surrounding the battle is an extensive historical-artisanal market with dozens of selected exhibitors from all over Europe: ironwork, ceramics, weaving, ancient dyeing techniques, and the famous Ars Canusina. There are also taverns where you can taste Renaissance and Reggio Emilia dishes, beer, mead, and hippocras, and the archers' village with tents, demonstrations, and a shooting range open to the public. Street performances, medieval games, folk-rock concerts, and parades animate the days from opening until evening.
Why it's worth the trip
More than just a simple festival, Rievocandum is a true collective time machine: the meticulous historical accuracy of the costumes, the grandeur of the formations, and the atmosphere of the Renaissance village make it a reference event for history enthusiasts and families. Admission is free, making it one of the most accessible cultural offerings of the Reggio summer.
Rievocandum 1557 — edition 2026
Rievocandum 1557 – Gold and Black Powder 2026 will take place in San Polo d'Enza (RE) from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, on the Via Vedruzzo field managed by ASM Contrada della Corte. The established structure of the event is confirmed: military encampments, historical-artisanal market, archers' village, taverns with Renaissance cuisine, and the spectacular Farnese Battle with infantry in heavy armor. For the 2026 edition, renewed attention to the historical market with artisan demonstrations is also announced.
The detailed program – line-up of folk-rock concerts, battle and archers' tournament schedules – will be published by the organizers on their official channels in the weeks preceding the event. We will update this page as soon as it is available.
Programme Rievocandum 1557 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (concerts, Farnese Battle schedules, tournaments, and shows) will be announced by the organizers on their official channels in the weeks before the event.
Based on recent editions, the event is structured as follows:
- Friday – Opening of the Renaissance village, ribbon cutting and inauguration, encampments, and historical market.
- Saturday – Historical-artisanal market, taverns, street performances, and folk-rock concerts in the evening.
- Sunday – Archers' tournament and the grand Farnese Battle with infantry in heavy armor, cannons, and Renaissance weapons.
Highlights Rievocandum 1557 2026
- The grand Farnese Battle with hundreds of infantrymen in heavy armor.
- The archers' village with a tournament and a shooting range open to the public.
- The historical market with artisans from all over Europe and live demonstrations.
- Folk-rock concerts and street performances in the evening.
Prices Rievocandum 1557 2026
Practical information — Rievocandum 1557
How to get there
The event takes place at Via Vedruzzo 2 in San Polo d'Enza (RE), at the headquarters of the Contrada della Corte. It is easily accessible by car from the SS63 connecting Reggio Emilia to the Cerreto Pass; ample parking is available near the field. The nearest train station is San Polo d'Enza on the Reggio Emilia–Ciano d'Enza line.
Admission and hours
Admission is free. The event takes place over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), with the village and market open until the evening and the main events (battle, tournaments, concerts) concentrated on Saturday and Sunday.
Tips
Bring comfortable shoes suitable for the field, layered clothing for the evening, and arrive early on the days of the Farnese Battle and the archers' tournament, which are the busiest times.
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Where does it take place — Rievocandum 1557
Sede della Contrada della Corte (campo di Via Vedruzzo)
Via Vedruzzo 2, 42020 San Polo d'Enza