The Days of Azzolino
The great medieval re-enactment of Grottazzolina, in the heart of the province of Fermo
About The Days of Azzolino
A week in the Middle Ages in Grottazzolina
Every summer, the village of Grottazzolina, in the heart of the province of Fermo, in the Marche region, transforms into a large open-air stage. The Days of Azzolino are the main historical re-enactment of the Municipality and one of the most cherished medieval events in the Fermo area: for a whole week, the historic center dresses in period costumes, torchlight, and drum sounds, taking visitors back to the 13th century.
The story of Azzo VII d'Este
The festival celebrates the figure of Azzo VII d'Este, the powerful marquis of Ferrara who conquered the strategic castle of the town in the 13th century. It is to this lord that Grottazzolina owes its current name: from the original Crypta Canonicorum, it became Gruptae Aczolini, meaning Azzolino's cave. The re-enactment recounts these events through parades, reconstructed battles, and ceremonies, blending documented history with the allure of medieval myth.
The highlights of the event
The program unfolds over several themed evenings, each dedicated to a major event:
- The Parade of Triumph: the night parade with dozens of participants and historical guest delegations from cities like Este, Ferrara, and Servigliano.
- The Joust of the Monk: the equestrian challenge that is the symbol of the festival, where knights compete by hitting a target with a mace, among the cities of the White Eagle.
- The Surrender of the Canons: the spectacular reconstruction of the battle for the fortress.
- The Palio of the Districts and the Challenge of the Strongbox, which pit the town's districts against each other.
Tournaments, markets, and encampments
Alongside the evening shows, the event features the Historical Archery Tournament with the prestigious Azzo VII d'Este Trophy, educational military encampments, period artisan workshops, and a rich medieval market with living history. There are also street performances, puppet theater, flag throwers, and captivating fire manipulation shows that conclude the nights.
Taverns and the taste of the 13th century
One of the most beloved aspects is the medieval dinners: numerous taverns set up in the village offer themed menus inspired by 13th-century cuisine, with dishes like tripe, roast goose, and spelt tagliatelle, to be enjoyed immersed in the atmosphere of the era. The festival also includes cultural deepening moments, such as the ancient music concert "Colto Medioevo" and meetings dedicated to the Piceni civilization with the "La Notte dei Piceni" review.
An identity event of the Marche
Organized by the Ente Rievocazioni Storiche I Giorni di Azzolino (Historical Re-enactment Body The Days of Azzolino), the event has grown over almost thirty years to become a benchmark for re-enactment enthusiasts and families. For the public, it is an opportunity to discover Grottazzolina and the Fermo hinterland, among hills, villages, and traditions that tell the most authentic soul of the Marche.
The Days of Azzolino — edition 2026
The Days of Azzolino 2026: the XXVIII edition
The 2026 edition of the Grottazzolina re-enactment, in the province of Fermo, is held from Tuesday, July 28 to Monday, August 3, 2026. The program alternates major spectacular evenings and cultural events, all set in the Middle Ages of Azzo VII d'Este.
The main evenings
- Tuesday, July 28: inauguration with "Colto Medioevo", opening of the military encampment and "La Notte dei Piceni" with archaeologists and percussionists in Piazza Alta del Castello.
- Wednesday, July 29: exhibitions, encampment, and talks on "The Origin of Medieval Games".
- Thursday, July 30: ancient music concert in the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
- Friday, July 31: defensive maneuvers by the Ferreo Core Company.
- Saturday, August 1: "Night of the Parade of Triumph" with historical archery tournament (National Championship), medieval market, historical parade with guest delegations, "Night of the Flags" by flag throwers, and the fire show "The Sphere of Destiny".
- Sunday, August 2: "Night of the Joust of the Monk", with "The Surrender of the Canons" and the famous equestrian challenge with a mace.
- Monday, August 3: "Night of the Palio of the Districts" with the "Challenge of the Strongbox" and the final show "Animal Fire".
Throughout the week, taverns with medieval dinners, educational encampments, artisan workshops, and photographic exhibitions are open in the historic center of Grottazzolina.
Programme The Days of Azzolino 2026
2026 Program (July 28 - August 3)
- Tue 28/07 - 9:00 PM "Colto Medioevo" and opening of encampment; 9:30 PM exhibitions and "La Bottega della Storia" (Palazzo Benedetti); 9:30 PM "La Notte dei Piceni" (Piazza Alta Castello).
- Wed 29/07 - 9:00 PM exhibitions and encampment; 9:30 PM talks "The Origin of Medieval Games".
- Thu 30/07 - 9:15 PM ancient music concert (Church of San Giovanni Battista).
- Fri 31/07 - 9:30 PM defensive maneuvers (Compagnia Ferreo Core).
- Sat 01/08 - 4:00 PM historical archery tournament; 7:00 PM medieval market and living history; 8:30 PM "Castrum Aczolini"; 10:15 PM historical parade; 10:45 PM "La Notte delle Bandiere"; 11:30 PM "La Sfera del Destino".
- Sun 02/08 - 6:00 PM medieval market; 10:00 PM "La Resa dei Canonici"; 10:45 PM "La Giostra del Monaco"; 11:30 PM "Il Giudizio di Dio".
- Mon 03/08 - 9:00 PM procession and start of games; 9:30 PM "Disfida del Forziere"; 11:15 PM final show "Animal Fire".
Highlights The Days of Azzolino 2026
Prices The Days of Azzolino 2026
Practical information — The Days of Azzolino
How to get there
Grottazzolina is located in the hinterland of the province of Fermo. By car: exit at Pedaso or Porto San Giorgio on the A14 motorway, then take provincial roads towards the Tenna valley. By train: Porto San Giorgio-Fermo station on the Adriatic line, with onward travel by bus or car. Nearest airport: Ancona-Falconara.
When and where
The event takes place at the end of July and beginning of August in the historic center of Grottazzolina, with events in Piazza Alta, at the Castle, and in the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
Tickets and advice
Admission to the festival streets and open-air shows is generally free; dinners in the taverns are paid. It is advisable to consult the official website for schedules, tavern reservations, and any program changes.
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Where does it take place — The Days of Azzolino
Centro storico di Grottazzolina