Satriano Ride
The horse-back re-enactment of Saint Francis' last journey to Assisi
About Satriano Ride
A re-enactment spanning eight centuries
The Satriano Ride is the historical horse-back procession that, in Assisi (province of Perugia, in Umbria), re-enacts the earthly journey of Saint Francis. In the summer of 1226, the gravely ill Saint was in the territory of Nocera Umbra: according to tradition, the people of Assisi feared losing his remains and sent a troop of knights to bring him home. Along the way, the group stopped in the village of Satriano, where the inhabitants offered bread to the knights: the re-enactment takes its name from this episode.
From Fortini's foundation to the present day
The event was conceived in 1926 by the Franciscan mayor and scholar Arnaldo Fortini, on the occasion of the seventh centenary of the Saint's death. After an interruption due to the war years, the Ride was permanently re-established in 1980 and has been held annually ever since. It is now coordinated by the Compagnia dei Cavalieri di Satriano with the support of the Umbria Region and the Municipalities of Assisi, Spello, Nocera Umbra, and Valtopina.
The route and the atmosphere
About eighty knights from all over Italy, in medieval attire, cross the territory between Nocera Umbra, Valtopina, Spello, and the Monte Subasio Park, passing through symbolic places like the chapel of Satriano before arriving in the historic centre of Assisi. Mounted units of the State Police and Carabinieri often participate. An event for those who love history, traditional equestrianism, and the landscapes of the Umbrian Apennines.
Satriano Ride — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Satriano Ride takes on a special significance: it falls in the year of the eighth centenary of Saint Francis' death (1226-2026) and is part of the rich calendar of Franciscan celebrations in Assisi. The re-enactment is jointly promoted by the Municipalities of Assisi, Spello, Nocera Umbra, and Valtopina.
For the centenary, an expanded version of the event is planned, involving mounted units of the State Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies.
Programme Satriano Ride 2026
Sunday, September 6, 2026
The Ride retraces the traditional itinerary from the territory of Nocera Umbra to Assisi, crossing Valtopina, Spello, and the Monte Subasio Park.
- Gathering of the knights and departure from the territory of Nocera Umbra
- Passage through the historical stops of the route (including the chapel of Satriano)
- Arrival in the historic centre of Assisi
For the 2026 centenary, the participation of mounted units of the State Police, Carabinieri, Forest Carabinieri, and other mounted units is announced. Detailed times and passage points will be published by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Satriano Ride 2026
Prices Satriano Ride 2026
Practical information — Satriano Ride
How to get there
Assisi is reachable by train (Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli station, then bus to the centre) and by car from the SS75 (Ospedalicchio exit) or the E45. The procession starts in the territory of Nocera Umbra, while the arrival is in Assisi.
Tips
The event unfolds over a full day and covers stretches of countryside and paths in Monte Subasio: to follow it live, it is advisable to inquire in advance about the passage points at the Assisi tourist office.
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Where does it take place — Satriano Ride
Centro storico di Assisi e Parco del Monte Subasio