Taurus Sub Moenibus — Quartiere il Prato Weekend

Taurus Sub Moenibus: The Festival of the Toro District

Taurus Sub Moenibus, also known as the Quartiere il Prato Weekend, is the major annual festival of one of the four districts of San Quirico d'Orcia, a medieval village in the Val d'Orcia, in the province of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany. The Latin name—literally "the Bull under the walls"—refers both to the district's symbol, the bull, and the ancient defensive walls that still surround the historic center today. The event takes place in the Via Matteotti Gardens, just a few steps from the iconic Piazza Tonda, and offers a historical journey through tradition, local flavors, and conviviality.

The Quartiere il Prato and the Festa del Barbarossa

San Quirico d'Orcia is divided into four historic districts—Borgo (black and white), Canneti (white and blue), Castello (white and red), and il Prato (white and green)—which compete every third Sunday of June in the famous Festa del Barbarossa, a historical re-enactment that has commemorated Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa's 1155 stop in the village since 1962. The districts vie for the Emperor's Pitchers in spectacular archery and flag-throwing competitions. Taurus Sub Moenibus is the festival with which the Prato district kicks off the season, rallying its green-and-white supporters for the big city challenge.

Three Days of Music, Flavors, and Tradition

The program typically spans three days. The Locanda di Piazzatonda is the gastronomic heart of the festival: here, you can savor traditional Val d'Orcia dishes, from grilled meats to homemade pasta and rustic country recipes. Evenings alternate between DJ sets and live concerts, while afternoons are dedicated to the green-and-white archers, with workshops and displays open to both children and adults. The most solemn moment is the historical pageant that winds through the village streets, featuring flag-bearers, banner-wavers, and drummers in period costumes.

San Quirico d'Orcia and the Val d'Orcia

Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Val d'Orcia, the town of San Quirico d'Orcia guards treasures such as the Collegiate Church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta and the Horti Leonini, a 16th-century Italian-style garden where the Barbarossa competitions take place. Attending Taurus Sub Moenibus means experiencing the village from the inside, welcomed by the district community amidst medieval walls, alleys illuminated at sunset, and authentic Tuscan hospitality.