The Banner of Theodelinda (Medieval Historical Pageant)

A re-enactment in the heart of Tuscia

The Banner of Theodelinda is the historical medieval celebration of Castel Sant'Elia, a small town perched on a tuff spur surrounded by gorges in the province of Viterbo, Lazio. For two weekends, the village transforms into a medieval settlement: torch-lit alleys, artisan workshops, drummers, and performers in period costumes recreate the atmosphere of the Early Middle Ages, when these lands were contested between the Byzantines and the Lombards.

The legend of Theodelinda and Gregory the Great

The heart of the event is the re-enactment of the secret meeting between the Lombard Queen Theodelinda and Pope Gregory the Great, which tradition places right in the territory of Castel Sant'Elia, near the rock cave of the San Leonardo hermitage, between 592 and 593. A meeting of great symbolic value: the Lombard sovereign thus drew closer to the Christian faith, laying the foundations for peace between her people and the Church of Rome. The historical pageant brings this moment to life with costumes, banners, and standards faithful to the era.

Processions, shows, and taverns

During the evenings of the festival, processions wind through the village streets, accompanied by performances from historical groups of musicians and flag-wavers, traditional games among the cellars, archery challenges, living chess, and sword-fighting demonstrations. A central role is played by the taverns of the historic center, set up in ancient cellars, where visitors can taste traditional dishes and local products of the Tuscia region amidst the festive atmosphere of the re-enactment.

• Historical pageant in medieval costumes with performers and banners
• Performances by historical groups, drummers, and musicians
• Traditional games, archery challenges, and living chess
• Taverns with traditional dishes and local products
• Guided tours of the San Leonardo hermitage and the Basilica of Sant'Elia

The village and its heritage

The event is also an opportunity to discover the heritage of Castel Sant'Elia: the Basilica of Sant'Elia with its medieval frescoes, the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima ad Rupes carved into the tuff, and the trails overlooking the gorges. A natural and spiritual setting that makes the re-enactment an immersive experience, blending history, popular faith, and landscape.

Organized by the Associazione Suppentonia Longobarda with the support of the Municipality of Castel Sant'Elia, the festival attracts visitors from all over Tuscia and Lazio every year, drawing enthusiasts of historical re-enactment and village tourism.