The City of 100 Towers — Medieval Re-enactment

Pavia, the city of a hundred towers

The City of 100 Towers is the grand medieval re-enactment of Pavia, the capital of its province in Lombardy. The name recalls the era when Pavia, in the Middle Ages, was famous throughout Europe for its countless noble towers, which stood out against the city skyline. The event, hosted in the evocative Gardens of the Visconti Castle, brings that era back to life with accuracy and passion.

An authentic medieval camp

For the duration of the event, the castle gardens are transformed into a true historical camp: tents, pavilions, kitchens, stalls, and workshops are set up and animated by dozens of re-enactment groups from all over Northern and Central Italy. Meticulously dressed re-enactors—craftsmen, ladies, knights, nobles—accurately reconstruct daily life from the period between 1250 and 1450.

Tournaments, fencing, and combat

The spectacular heart of the event is the tournaments. The Gesta d'Arme tournament features fully armoured knights, while the light infantry tournament stages team combat with spears, shields, and short weapons. There is also historical fencing, a discipline in which the organizing association specialises. Between tournaments, musicians, jugglers, and falconry demonstrations liven up the camp.

Market, food, and children

For visitors, there is a themed market area with typical products from the Pavia area, food, drinks, crafts, and games, and an area dedicated to children with workshops. In the late afternoon, the re-enactors gather for a convivial moment, showcasing their best attire and sharing dishes prepared according to medieval recipes, along with typical local products. Organized by the Pavia Historical Fencing Association with the Municipality, The City of 100 Towers is an unmissable event for history enthusiasts and families.