Tuscany Medieval Festival
Three days in the Middle Ages at the Fortezza Nuova in Livorno, featuring tournaments, jousts, and music
About Tuscany Medieval Festival
The Middle Ages come alive in Livorno
Every spring, the Fortezza Nuova in Livorno, in the heart of the Venezia district, opens its walls to host the Tuscany Medieval Festival, one of the largest historical re-enactments in Tuscany. For three days, the moats, ramparts, and walkways of the 17th-century fortress step back in time, populating with knights, ladies, artisans, musicians, and jesters. The event is organized by the White Company A.P.S. association and attracts re-enactors from all over Europe.
Tournaments, jousts, and combat
The heart of the festival lies in the clashes between knights: full-contact equestrian jousts, duels, and armored tournaments keep the audience on the edge of their seats. There is also space for Buhurt combat, the full-contact historical fighting discipline featuring fully armored warriors, and the spectacular "Giostra di Giovanni". Battle formations, demonstrations of ancient weapons, and falconry complete the daytime program, while the evening gives way to fire shows.
Market, encampments, and atmosphere
Between tournaments, visitors can stroll through faithfully reconstructed medieval encampments, the artisan market with dozens of exhibitors, demonstrations of ancient crafts, flag-wavers, and wandering musicians. It is an experience designed for the whole family, with themed food stalls and entertainment for children. The historical pageant that winds through the streets of Livorno's city center, starting from the Cathedral, is one of the city's most beloved moments.
Live music
A feature that distinguishes the Tuscany Medieval Festival is the blend of re-enactment and live music: alongside early music groups, there are evening concerts ranging from metal to symphonic soundtracks, making the event a cross-genre highlight in the event landscape of the Province of Livorno and all of Tuscany.
Tuscany Medieval Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Tuscany Medieval Festival confirmed the winning formula of previous years, enlivening the Fortezza Nuova in Livorno for three intense days. Alongside the encampments, the market, and demonstrations of ancient crafts, the public was able to witness full-contact equestrian jousts, armored combat, and falconry displays. On the evening of May 8, the pyrotechnic opening launched the concerts, while Sunday concluded with an evocative symphonic show dedicated to fantasy film soundtracks.
Programme Tuscany Medieval Festival 2026
Friday, May 8
- 18:00 — Festival opening, shows, and entertainment in the encampments
- 21:15 — Pyrotechnic opening
- 22:00 — Evening concerts with Old Bridge, Diesanera, and Alterium (symphonic power metal)
Saturday, May 9
- Grand historical pageant starting from the Cathedral through the streets of Livorno's center, with hundreds of costumed participants
- Full-contact equestrian jousts with knights
- Giostra di Giovanni — full-contact armored combat (Buhurt)
- Blessing of the knight at the Cathedral
- Falconry and archery demonstrations
- Demonstrations of medieval battle formations
- Evening fire show
Sunday, May 10
- Semi-finals and finals of the equestrian jousts
- Armored combat
- Conferences on weapons, armor, and Arthurian mythology
- Falconry and wandering music
- Final show "The Wizard Concert" with the Teatro Goldoni orchestra and soundtracks from the Harry Potter saga
Highlights Tuscany Medieval Festival 2026
Prices Tuscany Medieval Festival 2026
Practical information — Tuscany Medieval Festival
Location
Fortezza Nuova, Scali della Fortezza Nuova, 57123 Livorno (LI), Venezia district.
How to get there
The Fortezza Nuova is located in the historic city center, just a few minutes' walk from Piazza della Repubblica. From the Livorno Centrale train station, it can be reached by city bus or on foot in about 20 minutes. By car, it is recommended to use the city center parking lots, given the limited traffic area.
Tickets
Paid entry, with on-site ticket office and online pre-sale. Free entry for children under 10 and people with disabilities.
Contacts
Email: [email protected] — Tel. +39 345 046 0970 — Official website: tuscanymedievalfestival.com
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Tuscany Medieval Festival
Fortezza Nuova
Scali della Fortezza Nuova, 57123 Livorno