Ritornano i Giganti - Rievocazione della Battaglia di Marignano

The Battle that Shook Europe

On September 13 and 14, 1515, in the fields around the village of Zivido, a hamlet of San Giuliano Milanese (Metropolitan City of Milan), the Battle of Marignano was fought: the clash that saw the King of France Francis I defeat the Swiss mercenaries and redraw the balance of power for control of the Duchy of Milan. It was one of the bloodiest military events of the Renaissance, remembered as the "battle of giants".

A Reenactment Part of Intangible Heritage

The event Ritornano i Giganti commemorates that clash with great historical accuracy. For a weekend, the village of Zivido transforms into a period camp: military encampments, demonstrations of Renaissance life, costumed historical parades, and a theatrical reconstruction of the battle animate the village streets. The event is listed in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage promoted by the Ministry of Culture.

Between History, Culture, and Territory

The program includes guided tours of the Castle of Zivido, Renaissance-themed conferences, educational activities for schools, and the evocative walk along the Sentiero dei Giganti (Path of the Giants), a route that retraces the battle sites. There is also live music, dancing, and refreshment stands that liven up the evenings.

A Community Event

Organized by the Municipality of San Giuliano Milanese in collaboration with the Parish of Zivido and with the patronage of the Lombardy Region, the reenactment involves associations, historical groups, and the entire local community, confirming itself as one of the most deeply rooted historical events in South Milan.