Vercellae Hospitales
The grand medieval historical re-enactment of Vercelli
About Vercellae Hospitales
Vercelli returns to the Middle Ages
In April, the city of Vercelli, in the heart of the Piedmont rice-growing region, transforms into a grand medieval village thanks to Vercellae Hospitales, the historical re-enactment that in just a few editions has become a benchmark event for medieval enthusiasts across Italy. The historic center, the squares, and the grand basilicas provide the backdrop for costumed parades, military encampments, markets, and artisan workshops, bringing the 13th-century Vercelli of Cardinal Guala Bicchieri and the stunning Basilica of Sant'Andrea back to life.
A constantly growing event
Founded in 2023, the re-enactment has grown with every edition: from the 9 groups involved at its debut to over 30 associations in the 2026 edition, featuring 800 re-enactors from twenty Italian regions. The event is organized by the City of Vercelli, in the province of Vercelli, and has successfully combined spectacular entertainment with a solid cultural foundation, thanks to collaborations with the Turin International Book Fair and the Saluzzo Medieval Book Festival.
Between spectacle and culture
Vercellae Hospitales is more than just parades and tournaments: it is also a packed program of lectures with renowned historians, exhibitions featuring rare manuscripts, themed guided tours, folk and medieval music concerts, and theatrical performances. The public can witness combat and archery displays, watch potters, weavers, and medieval cooks at work, discover wooden games and siege engines, and immerse themselves in an atmosphere that engages all the senses.
A free and accessible event
Most of the events are free to attend, often by reservation, with special attention paid to accessibility (LIS sign language interpretation for main lectures). The city provides over 1,300 free parking spaces just a few minutes' walk from the center, making the event convenient even for those arriving from outside the province. With over 50,000 visitors in past editions, Vercellae Hospitales has established itself as one of the most important historical re-enactments in Piedmont.
Vercellae Hospitales — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Vercellae Hospitales offered ten days of events (April 10-19) with 76 free appointments, over 30 associations involved, and 800 re-enactors from twenty Italian regions. It was the first Piedmontese event to obtain the patronage of the National Committee for the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, with a dedicated theme titled "Saint Francis for Vercelli".
The program intertwined grand historical re-enactments, cultural lectures, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, bringing the historic center, the squares, and the Basilica of Sant'Andrea to life with encampments, ancient crafts, street food, and digital installations.
Programme Vercellae Hospitales 2026
Friday, April 10 — Inauguration
- 20:45 — Cinema Italia: opening night with a documentary preview
Saturday, April 11 — Exhibition at Arca
- 17:00 — Arca: inauguration of the exhibition "…and he preached well! The strength of the Franciscans in Vercelli", featuring rare manuscripts from the Library of the Sacred Convent of Assisi (open until May 3)
April 12 to 19 — Lectures
- Lecture series with historians Saverio Lomartire, Mario Prignano, Marco Meschini, and Franco Cardini, in collaboration with the Turin International Book Fair
- Wednesday, April 15, 21:00 — Basilica of Sant'Andrea: Franco Cardini (with LIS translation)
Friday, April 17 — Concert
- 21:00 — Concert by Folkstone
- Street food in Piazza Antico Ospedale
Saturday, April 18 — The grand parade
- 15:00 — Grand historical parade with 800 re-enactors and buhurt (medieval combat)
- 21:00 — Concert by Bards of Yesterday
Sunday, April 19 — Tournament and grand finale
- Mass with Gregorian chants and oriental dances
- 15:00 — Parco Kennedy: equestrian show and 13th-century chivalric tournament
- 16:00 — Crypt: lecture by psychiatrist Vittorino Andreoli (with LIS translation)
- 21:00 — Teatro Civico: musical "Forza, venite gente" (sold out)
Throughout the event
- Military encampments, artisan workshops, and medieval markets in the historic center
- Over 30 wooden medieval games and craft workshops
- Demonstrations of pottery, weaving, ancient crafts, and historical cooking
- Functional trebuchet with launch demonstrations, combat, and archery
- Themed guided tours (bishops, knights, merchants, friars)
- Generative AI installation: dialogue with the avatar of Cardinal Guala Bicchieri in the Basilica of Sant'Andrea
Highlights Vercellae Hospitales 2026
Prices Vercellae Hospitales 2026
Practical information — Vercellae Hospitales
Getting there
By train: Vercelli station is on the Turin-Milan line, a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car: Vercelli is served by the A4 Turin-Milan motorway (Vercelli Ovest or Est exit).
Parking
During the event, over 1,300 free parking spaces are available, all within a maximum distance of about 15-16 minutes' walk from the event venues.
Reservations and tickets
Many events are free but require a reservation: please email [email protected]. Tickets for the musical at the Teatro Civico are available on VivaTicket. Themed guided tours cost 15 euros (10 euros for those under 16).
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Where does it take place — Vercellae Hospitales
Centro storico e Basilica di Sant'Andrea