The Coming of Pope Urban II

Banzi and Pope Urban II

Banzi, ancient Roman Bantia and today a village in the province of Potenza in the alta Murgia, holds a precious historical memory: the visit of Pope Urban II, which in 1089 profoundly marked the community and its territory. One of Basilicata's most important medieval re-enactments is dedicated to this event, organized by the Municipality of Banzi.

A Spectacular Medieval Pageant

The heart of the event is the grand historical pageant, which brings the atmosphere of the Middle Ages back to the center of the town. Over a hundred costumed participants parade: ladies, knights, dignitaries, men-at-arms, and commoners, accompanied by musicians, drummers, and flag-throwers. Among the prominent figures are the Norman princes Roger and Bohemond, sons of Robert Guiscard, protagonists of the events that linked Banzi to major European history, up to the Crusades.

History Comes Alive

The re-enactment is not just a spectacle; it's a journey into the medieval roots of the town, linked to the ancient abbey and Banzi's strategic role between the Normans and the Church. Meticulously crafted costumes, sets, and environments restore the solemnity of an era, in a choral narrative that involves the entire community.

An Event Not to Be Missed

Created by the Municipality of Banzi with the support of the Basilicata Region and APT Basilicata, in collaboration with Fantastico Medioevo, the re-enactment is a major attraction in the Lucanian summer. For visitors, it's an opportunity to experience the Middle Ages and discover an authentic village in the alta Murgia, amidst Roman history, monasticism, and wheat landscapes.