Templaria Festival

A Journey into the Medieval World of the Templars

The Templaria Festival is the grand medieval historical reenactment that every year, in mid-August, enlivens the historic center of Castignano, a hilltop village in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the heart of the Marche region's Piceno area. For five evenings, the streets, squares, and alleys of the village transform into an authentic medieval village, populated by artists, jesters, merchants, artisans, and knights, in an atmosphere suspended in time dedicated to the Late Middle Ages and the Order of the Templars.

Origins: From 1990 to Today

The event began on August 18, 1990, under the title 'Notti da Medioevo' (Medieval Nights), initiated by a group of local history and culture enthusiasts. It all started almost as a game, with modest medieval dinners set up in Piazza San Pietro, in the upper part of the ancient town. The name 'Templaria' was chosen following historical research that confirmed the passage and presence of the Order of the Temple in Castignano: the Templar knights, en route to the Holy Land, left deep traces in the history, economy, and traditions of the area. From that small summer event, the festival has grown to become a highly anticipated occasion for thousands of people from all over Italy.

Open-Air Theaters, Shows, and Taverns

The heart of the reenactment consists of numerous open-air theaters spread across the village gates and squares, hosting theatrical performances, storytelling, duels, juggling acts, magic shows, live music, and falconry demonstrations. In addition to scheduled performances, groups of itinerant entertainers continuously animate the streets. Along the routes, you'll find artisan workshops, where ancient crafts come to life, and characteristic taverns offering dishes inspired by medieval cuisine.

The 2026 Edition

The 2026 edition, the XXXV in Templaria's history, is confirmed from August 17 to 21, 2026. As is tradition, each evening will offer several hours of entertainment spread across the historic center's theaters, involving over a hundred artists. The theme of the edition and the detailed program with individual events will be announced by the organization in the weeks preceding the event.

An Identity Event for the Marche Region

Promoted by the Pro Loco Castignano with the patronage of the Municipality, the Templaria Festival is one of the benchmark historical reenactments in the Marche region and throughout Central Italy. The medieval village setting, the philological accuracy of the staging, and the involvement of the entire community make it an immersive experience that combines culture, entertainment, and the identity of the Piceno territory.