Siege of Asola
The historical reenactment of the 1516 siege, in the province of Mantua
About Siege of Asola
Asola relives the 1516 siege
The Siege of Asola is the grand historical reenactment that every year, at the end of September, brings Asola, a town in the plains of the province of Mantua, back to the Renaissance era. The event commemorates the events that occurred between March 16 and 19, 1516, when the city strenuously resisted the attack of the imperial army of Maximilian I of Habsburg, led by Rizino d'Asola at the head of a hundred lances, finally forcing the emperor to retreat towards Tyrol.
A historic village for three days
During the reenactment, the Chiese Gardens and the historic center of Asola are transformed into a medieval and Renaissance village: encampments, a historical market, taverns with traditional cuisine, entertainment, and shows accompany the public throughout the day. The most solemn moment is the historical procession towards Piazza XX Settembre, with costumed figures.
Palio, challenge, and competitions
The event features a real competition between the city's districts:
- the District Challenge with its award ceremony
- the Children's Palio, dedicated to the younger ones
- the archery competition
- the historical cooking competition
A tradition curated by La Quadra
The event is organized by the La Quadra Cultural Association, founded in 2009 and dedicated to promoting Asola's history and identity. With its costumed figures, encampments, and shows, the Siege of Asola has become an unmissable autumn event in Mantua, capable of combining historical accuracy and popular celebration.
Siege of Asola — edition 2026
The 41st edition of the Siege of Asola is scheduled for late September 2026, continuing from the 40th edition held in 2025.
The reenactment of the 1516 siege animates the Chiese Gardens and the historic center of Asola for three days, transforming them into a historic village with encampments, a market, taverns, entertainment, and shows. The program traditionally includes the historical procession to Piazza XX Settembre, the District Challenge, the Children's Palio, archery competitions, and historical cooking competitions. Precise dates and the detailed program are published by the La Quadra Association on the website laquadradiasola.it.
Programme Siege of Asola 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, with dates and times, will be published by the La Quadra Association on the website laquadradiasola.it. Following the pattern of previous editions, the typical structure of the reenactment includes:
- Friday — Evening theatrical performance at the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea
- Saturday — Opening of the historic village at the Chiese Gardens (from 10 am), with entertainment, shows, and traditional cuisine throughout the day
- Sunday — Opening of the village, historical procession to Piazza XX Settembre in the afternoon, Children's Palio and award ceremony for the District Challenge, award ceremony for the cooking and archery competitions
Highlights Siege of Asola 2026
The historical procession to Piazza XX Settembre, the District Challenge, and the Renaissance encampments at the Chiese Gardens are the highlights of the reenactment.
Prices Siege of Asola 2026
Practical information — Siege of Asola
How to get there
Asola can be reached by car via the SP ex SS343 Asolana, halfway between Mantua and Brescia. The nearest train stations are Carpenedolo and Castiglione delle Stiviere.
Admission
Free admission. During the event, traffic restrictions and parking bans are in place in the center.
Contacts
La Quadra Cultural Association, email [email protected]. Detailed program on the website laquadradiasola.it.
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Where does it take place — Siege of Asola
Giardini del Chiese e Piazza XX Settembre, Asola
Piazza XX Settembre, 46041 Asola