The Monk's Tournament – The Tournament of Ferrara
Eleven days of Este medieval reenactment in the heart of Ferrara
About Monk's Tournament
Ferrara Returns to the Middle Ages
La Giostra del Monaco is one of the most beloved historical reenactments in the Municipality of Ferrara and its Province, in Emilia-Romagna. Organized by the Contrada di San Giacomo, the event transforms the area of the Baluardo di Santa Maria and the gardens of Viale IV Novembre into a large medieval village for eleven days, bringing the public back to the golden age of Este Ferrara.
The Battle That Gave Ferrara to the Este Family
The narrative heart of the reenactment is the Battle of Cassano d'Adda, a decisive event that marked the beginning of the Este family's rule over the city. The event stages the clash between the papal troops commanded by Azzo VII d'Este and the imperial troops led by Ezzelino III da Romano, a historical episode that explained how Ferrara entered the Este orbit, marking centuries of artistic and political splendor for the Duchy.
A Medieval Village That Comes to Life
Inside the rampart, a complete medieval encampment is reconstructed, with daily life settings open to the public. Within the fortress walls are the workshops of artisans – blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, squires, and merchants – who demonstrate the crafts of the era live along the merchants' street. There are also taverns and inns where you can taste dishes inspired by Este medieval cuisine.
What to See and Do
- Equestrian jousts and duels with knights in armor
- Free evening shows in the Arena del Baluardo: jesters, fire-eaters, dancers, flag wavers, and historical pageants
- Medieval encampment with soldiers, weapons, and reconstructions of daily life
- Archery and tournaments
- Activities for children: pony and horse rides, games, workshops, and archery for kids
- Market and artisan workshops along the merchants' street
A Festival for the Whole City
La Giostra del Monaco is the result of the work of the Contrada di San Giacomo along with numerous historical reenactment associations from the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions, including A.E.R.R.S. (Associazione Emilia Romagna Rievocazioni Storiche), the Consorzio Terre e Castelli Estensi, and the Contrade of the Palio di Ferrara. Included in the regional calendar of events for Emilia-Romagna, it is an event that combines historical dissemination, entertainment, and popular tradition, with completely free admission.
Monk's Tournament — edition 2026
The XXII edition of La Giostra del Monaco will be held in Ferrara from August 27 to September 6, 2026, confirmed by the event calendar of the Province of Ferrara and the organizers.
As tradition dictates, the area of the Baluardo di Santa Maria and the gardens of Viale IV Novembre will host the medieval village with the visitable encampment, artisan workshops along the merchants' street, taverns and inns, equestrian jousts, duels, and tournaments. Every evening, the Arena del Baluardo will come alive with free shows.
Currently, the detailed day-by-day program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published: it will be released by the Contrada di San Giacomo on the official website and social media channels in the weeks leading up to the event.
Programme Monk's Tournament 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the Contrada di San Giacomo in the weeks preceding the event.
Based on recent editions, the usual structure of the event includes:
- Daytime opening: visitable medieval encampment, artisan workshops (blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, squires, merchants), play area and workshops for children, pony and horse rides, archery.
- Evening shows: from around 9:30 PM, in the Arena del Baluardo, free shows with jesters, fire-eaters, dancers, and historical pageants.
- Taverns and inns: mainly open in the evening, with dishes inspired by medieval tradition.
- Reenactment of the Battle of Cassano d'Adda, the central moment of the event.
Highlights Monk's Tournament 2026
- Reenactment of the Battle of Cassano d'Adda between Azzo VII d'Este and Ezzelino III da Romano
- Equestrian jousts and duels between knights in armor
- Free evening shows in the Arena del Baluardo
- Medieval encampment and merchants' street
Prices Monk's Tournament 2026
Practical information — Monk's Tournament
When
Eleven days straddling the end of August and the beginning of September. 2026 Edition: from August 27 to September 6.
Where
Baluardo di Santa Maria and gardens of Viale IV Novembre, in Ferrara (44121). The area is located along the ancient city walls, a few minutes from the historic center.
How to get there
By train: Ferrara station is on the Bologna–Venice line, about a 20-minute walk from the event area. By car: Ferrara Sud or Ferrara Nord exit from the A13 Bologna–Padova highway.
Admission and dining
Free admission to the entire event and shows. Reservations are recommended for the taverns (Taverna dell'Aquila Bianca, Locanda del Monaco, Hostaria del Borgo), which are mainly open in the evening.
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Where does it take place — Monk's Tournament
Baluardo di Santa Maria e Giardini di Viale IV Novembre
Viale IV Novembre, 44121 Ferrara