Waiting for the Battle of Cascina

A dive into the Middle Ages in the heart of Cascina

Every summer, the historic center of Cascina, a populous municipality in the province of Pisa, Tuscany, transforms into a medieval village. Waiting for the Battle is the festival that, for three days, takes citizens and visitors back to the 14th century, when these lands were the stage for one of the most famous clashes in Tuscan history.

The Battle of Cascina of 1364

The event is inspired by the Battle of Cascina, fought on July 28, 1364, between the Pisan and Florentine armies. This clash became so famous that it inspired great Renaissance artists: Michelangelo Buonarroti created a preparatory cartoon for it intended for the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio in Florence—a work now lost but legendary. The festival does not just re-enact the battle, but above all the daily life, trades, and atmosphere of medieval Cascina on the eve of that day.

Processions, combat, and tournaments

The program is rich and designed to engage both adults and children. Along Corso Matteotti and in Piazza dei Caduti, you will find:

• historical parades and processions with nobles, ladies, merchants, and knights in armor;
• archery tournaments and demonstrations featuring archers from all over Italy;
• medieval fencing duels and full-contact armored combat;
• shows by jugglers, fire-eaters, flag-wavers, dancers, and falconers;
• period music performed live by historical groups.

Medieval market and taverns

The streets of the center host a large medieval market with artisans and vendors of period goods, while taverns and food stalls offer traditional dishes and drinks, allowing you to experience the atmosphere at the table as well. The initiative is organized by the Arcieri Cascinesi Association with the patronage and support of the Municipality of Cascina, the Province of Pisa, and the Tuscany Region.

Why it is worth attending

More than just a simple festival, Waiting for the Battle is a defining event for Cascina: it unites a passion for local history, the hard work of the archers and re-enactors, and the desire to revive an episode that left its mark on Tuscan memory. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the historic center of Cascina in a different light, immersed in the colors, sounds, and flavors of the Middle Ages.