Medieval reenactment in the village of Castello, above Lake Lugano
Once a year, at the end of September, the village of Castello — one of the hamlets of Valsolda, perched above Lake Lugano — dresses up in period costume. The Sagra del Castello, organized by the association Compagnia del Castello, fills the alleys with costumed figures, encampments, a medieval market, and shows, in a reenactment that has attracted several thousand people over the weekend in recent years.
Along the village streets, there are performances by jesters and costumed figures, workshops for children, literary spaces, and cellars and courtyards open to the public. There is also a gastronomic section, with dishes served in areas set up among the houses of the town. Some editions have had a central theme — from the knighting of a Templar knight to a grand chess game with costumed figures — presented throughout the two days of the festival.
Valsolda is a municipality in the province of Como, in Lombardy, spread across hamlets overlooking Lake Lugano (Ceresio) on the border with Switzerland. The village of Castello, with its historic layout and panoramic position, offers the ideal setting for a reenactment that has become one of the most recognizable autumn events in the lower Ceresio area.
The Sagra del Castello di Valsolda returns in 2026, following the tradition of holding it on a weekend at the end of September in the village of Castello. The Compagnia del Castello usually publishes the final date, theme, and detailed program in the weeks preceding the event. The characteristic features of the festival remain: medieval reenactment with costumed figures, market, shows, workshops for children, and gastronomic spaces among the village alleys.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including the possible theme of the year, will be announced by the Compagnia del Castello closer to the event. Based on previous editions, the event spans two days with: entry of costumed figures, medieval market, jester shows, children's workshops, literary spaces, and gastronomy with cellars and courtyards open to the public.
Medieval reenactment with costumed figures, market, and shows in the village of Castello.
A weekend at the end of September (the 2025 edition was held on September 27-28). The 2026 date will be announced by the Compagnia del Castello closer to the event.
Borgo di Castello, hamlet of Valsolda (CO), overlooking Lake Lugano.
Event organized by the Compagnia del Castello. Information and updates on the association's Facebook page.
Valsolda can be reached by car along the road from Porlezza on Lake Lugano; the village of Castello is located in the upper part of the municipality.
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Borgo di Castello (frazione di Valsolda)
Borgo di Castello, 22010 Valsolda