Tempus Medii
The San Gemini Library becomes an open-air medieval laboratory
About Tempus Medii
A New Event Born from the Giostra dell'Arme
Tempus Medii debuts in 2026 in San Gemini, in the province of Terni, as a preview of the 53rd edition of the Giostra dell'Arme. Promoted by the Ente Giostra dell'Arme, the event was created with a precise objective, explained by president Chiara Cerquiglini: to offer in-depth study paths and historical-cultural preparation for participants in view of the autumn festival.
The Library as a Center of Living Culture
The heart of the event is the Municipal Library of San Gemini, housed since 1990 in the former convent of Santa Maria Maddalena, which for the occasion transforms into 'an open-air medieval laboratory'. As highlighted by the mayor Luciano Clementella, the idea is to restore the library's role as a center for the production of new culture and a place for social gathering, counteracting today's digital consumption.
Scholars, Workshops, and Performances
The program combines scientific meetings with European medieval experts, historical sewing workshops using 14th-century techniques, conferences, theatrical performances, and historical processions. The extraordinary opening of taverns with the 'Traveler's Menu' and fire shows are also featured. The event also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Compagnia dell'Ariete, a group of flag-wavers and medieval combat re-enactors. Tempus Medii thus represents the first chapter of a journey that leads San Gemini towards the great equestrian challenge between the Rocca and Piazza districts in the autumn.
Tempus Medii — edition 2026
The debut of Tempus Medii (May 29-31, 2026) combined scientific dissemination, historical craftsmanship, and performance. The Municipal Library of San Gemini became the hub of a three-day event that alternated seminars on Renaissance costumes and 14th-century sewing workshops, lectures by professors such as Federico Canaccini, Paolo Caselli, and Ada D'Alessandro, and theatrical moments. Among the most evocative events were the performance 'Echoes in the Cloister: The Judgment of God', the historical parade with the fire show 'Publica Incatatrix', and the opening of the Malanotte and Arco taverns with the 'Traveler's Menu'. The event also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Compagnia dell'Ariete.
Programme Tempus Medii 2026
Friday, May 29
- Seminar by Dr. Elisabetta Gnignera on Renaissance costume
- 5:30 PM — Official inauguration (S.M. Maddalena Multimedia Hall)
- 6:15 PM — Conference by Prof. Federico Canaccini on medieval studies
- 9:30 PM — Conference 'The Saint and the Archer' (Palazzo Vecchio)
Saturday, May 30
- Continuation of the costume seminar and hand-sewing workshop with 14th-century techniques
- 3:30 PM — Conference by Prof. Paolo Caselli on the costs of war
- 7:00 PM — Theatrical performance 'Echoes in the Cloister: The Judgment of God'
- Opening of the medieval taverns (Malanotte and Arco) with the 'Traveler's Menu'
- 9:45 PM — Historical parade and fire show 'Publica Incatatrix'
Sunday, May 31
- 3:45 PM — Presentation by Prof. Ada D'Alessandro on women in arms
- 5:15 PM — Round table on Matteuccia da Todi and the witch hunts
- 6:45 PM — Live historical narration with the knight's dressing ceremony
Program promoted by the Ente Giostra dell'Arme.
Highlights Tempus Medii 2026
Prices Tempus Medii 2026
Practical information — Tempus Medii
How to get there
San Gemini (Terni) can be reached by car along the SS3 Flaminia or from the E45/superstrada (Terni exit). By train to Terni, then bus to San Gemini. Nearest airports: Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi and Rome Fiumicino.
Where
Municipal Library of San Gemini (former convent of Santa Maria Maddalena), S.M. Maddalena Multimedia Hall, Palazzo Vecchio, and historic center.
When
May 29-31, 2026 (first edition).
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Where does it take place — Tempus Medii
Biblioteca Comunale di San Gemini (ex convento di Santa Maria Maddalena)