Tempora Antiqua – Celtic Market at the Ricetto di Candelo
A Celtic and medieval market nestled within the stone walls of the Ricetto di Candelo
About Tempora Antiqua
A Celtic market within the Ricetto walls
Tempora Antiqua is the Celtic and medieval market that brings the Ricetto di Candelo to life in the heart of the Biella province, Piedmont. For an entire day, the village's cobblestone lanes are filled with stalls, craft demonstrations, workshops, and performances: a unique opportunity to experience the Ricetto in a different light, suspended between history, craftsmanship, and re-enactment.
The Ricetto di Candelo, a unique setting
The event takes place in an exceptional setting. The Ricetto di Candelo is a collective fortification built in the 14th century, one of the best-preserved in Italy: approximately 13,000 square meters featuring nearly two hundred small stone houses (the cellule), once used by the community as storage, cellars, and shelters during times of danger. Today, the village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, is an open-air museum and the natural home for major events in the Municipality of Candelo.
What you will find at Tempora Antiqua
Throughout the day, the village hosts artisans and hobbyists showcasing items inspired by the medieval and Celtic worlds, alongside local producers. Among the stalls and food stands, you can discover:
- Honey and local beekeeping products;
- Craft beer and spirits;
- Typical gastronomic products, seasonal fruits, and vegetables;
- Handcrafted goods with Celtic and medieval inspiration.
Ancient crafts, combat, and music
The program goes beyond shopping: the day is marked by demonstrations of ancient crafts, such as wicker weaving, workshops, a lecture dedicated to the history of beer fermentation, and demonstrations of medieval coin minting. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to entertainment, with dance performances and medieval sword fighting demonstrations that bring the atmosphere of the past to life for visitors.
A day for the whole family
With free admission and a formula that combines market, culture, and entertainment, Tempora Antiqua is designed for families, history buffs, and the curious. It is also an excellent excuse to visit the Ricetto and the Municipality of Candelo, just outside Biella, while discovering one of the most fascinating places in northeastern Piedmont.
Tempora Antiqua — edition 2026
L'edizione 2026 di Tempora Antiqua si svolge domenica 14 giugno 2026 al Ricetto di Candelo, dalle 10:00 alle 18:00, con ingresso libero. Per l'intera giornata le rue del borgo medievale accolgono artigiani e hobbisti con oggetti ispirati al mondo celtico e medievale, insieme a produttori di miele, birra artigianale, liquori, prodotti gastronomici, frutta e verdura.
Accanto al mercato, un ricco programma di dimostrazioni, laboratori, conferenze e spettacoli scandisce la giornata, facendo rivivere ai visitatori le atmosfere del passato tra profumi di birra e miele, musica e racconti legati alla storia.
Programme Tempora Antiqua 2026
Domenica 14 giugno 2026 — dalle 10:00 alle 18:00
Mercato e gastronomia per tutta la giornata: artigiani e hobbisti con oggetti di ispirazione medievale e celtica, produttori di miele, birra artigianale, liquori, prodotti gastronomici, frutta e verdura.
- 10:00–12:00 e 14:00–16:00 — Laboratorio di intreccio del vimini con Ivano Veronese (Piazza d'Ingresso);
- 10:00–12:00 e 15:00–18:00 — Dimostrazioni di coniazione di monete medievali, con filmati e documenti storici (Prima Rua);
- 15:00 — Conferenza sulla storia della fermentazione della birra con la professoressa Eleonora Veneri (Sala Cerimonie);
- 16:00–18:00 — Esibizioni di danza a cura della scuola Mambo Forrò;
- 16:00–18:00 — Dimostrazioni di combattimento medievale in armi a cura del gruppo Alpaulfar (Piazza del Torchio).
Highlights Tempora Antiqua 2026
Prices Tempora Antiqua 2026
Practical information — Tempora Antiqua
Location
Tempora Antiqua is held in the Ricetto di Candelo, in the province of Biella (Piedmont). The entrance to the village is at Piazza Castello, in the center of Candelo.
How to get there
By car: Candelo can be reached via the A4 motorway (Carisio exit) or the dual carriageway to Biella, which is just a few kilometers away. Parking is available near the village.
By train: The reference station is Biella San Paolo, connected to Novara and Santhià; from there, you can continue by bus or taxi to Candelo.
Admission and hours
Admission is free of charge. The event generally takes place from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets. Take advantage of your visit to explore the Ricetto's cellule and the village's gastronomic offerings.
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Where does it take place — Tempora Antiqua
Ricetto di Candelo
Piazza Castello, 13878 Candelo