Thiene 1492 — European Renaissance Market

Eight centuries of mercantile history

Thiene 1492 celebrates a decisive event in the history of Thiene, in the province of Vicenza: on October 6, 1492, the city obtained from the Most Serene Republic of Venice, through Doge Agostino Barbarigo, the concession of the Free Market from duties, the first in the entire Vicenza province. A commercial network already active since the 13th century that made Thiene a crossroads of trade in the Alto Vicentino region.

The Renaissance in the historic center

To commemorate that privilege, every October the historic center comes alive with stalls of merchants and artisans, flavors, arts, and crafts of the 16th century. The streets and squares host Renaissance music and dance performances, recreational activities, jesters, and street artists, with participants in period costumes playing the roles of nobles, merchants, vendors, artisans, and commoners.

Odd and even years

The event follows an alternating format: in odd-numbered years, the complete Historical Re-enactment takes place, with hundreds of participants, parades, and encampments; in even-numbered years — like 2026 — the protagonist is the European Renaissance Market, with about 150 exhibitors transforming Thiene into a grand Renaissance emporium.

A community celebration

The event is organized by A.P.S. Amici di Thiene, which has for years been dedicated to enhancing the city's historical heritage with the involvement of hundreds of volunteers. It has become one of the most recognizable cultural events of the Vicenza autumn.