Scannagallo Battle Historical Re-enactment
The grand 16th-century re-enactment in the heart of Valdichiana, spanning Marciano, Pozzo, and Foiano della Chiana
About Scannagallo Battle
A battle that shaped the history of Tuscany
The Scannagallo Battle Historical Re-enactment brings to life one of the decisive clashes of the Italian 16th century: on August 2, 1554, in the plains of the Valdichiana, the Imperial and Medicean army led by Gian Giacomo Medici (known as 'il Medeghino') on behalf of Cosimo I de' Medici defeated the Franco-Sienese army commanded by Piero Strozzi. That victory marked the decline of the Republic of Siena and paved the way for the birth of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The echo of those events has reached us thanks to Giorgio Vasari, who immortalized them in the frescoes of the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio, Florence.
Three towns, one grand re-enactment
The event takes place across three centers in the Aretine Valdichiana: Marciano della Chiana, Pozzo della Chiana, and Foiano della Chiana. Marciano, with its castle and famous tower, serves as the scenic heart of the event: here, the torchlit Franco-Sienese procession marches, and military maneuvers are held in the battlefield park. In Pozzo della Chiana, historical camps are set up and the grand final battle takes place, while Foiano hosts gatherings and glimpses of Renaissance life.
16th-century atmosphere and over three hundred re-enactors
The re-enactment is brought to life by over three hundred participants from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland: arquebusiers, pikemen, knights, mercenaries, ladies, and musicians who reconstruct 15th-16th century weapons, costumes, and military techniques with philological rigor. Among the most striking highlights are the night assault on the castle of Marciano, the Sienese 'incamiciata' (night raid) on the imperial camp, cannon fire, Renaissance dances, and traveling performances within the camps.
An event held on the original sites
One of the most fascinating features of the event is the opportunity to experience history on the very grounds where the battle actually took place, in the plains between Marciano and Pozzo della Chiana. The organization, managed by the Associazione Culturale Scannagallo APS with the patronage of the Municipalities of Marciano della Chiana and Foiano della Chiana and the support of the Tuscany Region, combines historical reconstruction, education, and popular celebration, with food stands whose proceeds support local causes.
What to see and experience
- The torchlit Franco-Sienese procession in the historic center of Marciano della Chiana
- Military camps in Pozzo della Chiana, featuring camp life, a historical market, and Renaissance dinners
- Military maneuvers, cannon fire, and the Sienese sortie in the battlefield park
- The grand final battle with over three hundred armed re-enactors
- 16th-century music, dances, and combat displays
Scannagallo Battle — edition 2026
The 2026 edition confirmed the format spread across the three Aretine Valdichiana towns, returning the re-enactment to the original grounds of the 1554 clash depicted by Giorgio Vasari. The public was able to follow the evolution of the historical events, moving from the camps of Pozzo della Chiana to the streets of Marciano and the gatherings in Foiano, amidst music, dances, and costumed combat.
The organization was managed by the Associazione Culturale Scannagallo APS, with the patronage of the Municipalities of Marciano della Chiana and Foiano della Chiana and the support of the Tuscany Region.
Programme Scannagallo Battle 2026
Friday, May 15
- 19:00 — Opening of the historical camp area in Pozzo della Chiana
- 21:45 — Arrival of the torchlit Franco-Sienese army procession in the historic center of Marciano della Chiana, with a re-enactment of the night assault on the castle
Saturday, May 16
- Afternoon in Piazza Cavour, Foiano della Chiana: gathering of historical groups and re-enactment of the sack of Foiano with arquebusiers
- "Walk through History" towards the Temple of Santo Stefano della Vittoria
- Performances of historical music, dances, and 15th-16th century combat, with traveling shows in the camps
- At night: "incamiciata", the Sienese assault on the imperial camp
Sunday, May 17
- 11:00 — First military maneuvers in Marciano della Chiana: cannon fire and attempted Sienese sortie in the battlefield park
- Afternoon: historical reconstruction with re-enactors, animals, and cannon hauling
- 17:00 — Main battle in Pozzo della Chiana, with over three hundred participants engaged in combat with historical weapons
Highlights Scannagallo Battle 2026
Prices Scannagallo Battle 2026
Practical information — Scannagallo Battle
How to get there
Marciano della Chiana is located in the province of Arezzo, in the heart of the Valdichiana. By car, it can be reached via the A1 motorway (exits Valdichiana/Bettolle-Sinalunga or Monte San Savino), following signs for Marciano and Pozzo della Chiana. The most convenient train stations are Arezzo or Foiano-Marciano on the Arezzo-Sinalunga line.
Admission and info
Access to the town center streets and the camps is generally free. For the detailed program, updated schedules, and any tickets for shows or camp dinners, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Associazione Culturale Scannagallo or contact the secretariat.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes to move between the historic center, the camps, and the battlefield park. The evening torchlit re-enactments offer the most evocative photo opportunities: don't forget your camera.
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Where does it take place — Scannagallo Battle
Centro storico di Marciano della Chiana