Step back in time: many festivals throughout the summer!
Every year Tuscany offers a wide array of Medieval Festivals rich with parades in authentic dress from the times, games, food, flag throwers and spectators who come to join in a few hours in the “time machine”.
It is obvious that Tuscany, with its many picturesque towns, both small and large, presents the perfect stage for the revocation of jousts, races, dances and remembering historic events like weddings, murders, and battles. These types of events happen all year long, however, it would seem that many are concentrated in the late spring and summer seasons, where everyone can enjoy the festivities outside with the long sunny days and warm temps.
Not only are there important historic representations and exhibitions, but the townspeople often join in the fun taking the time to dress the part, provide stands and food that are suited to the time frame and extra care to restore the vias and streets in the town to their original “glory”.
We have put together a list of the of the more famous and colorful Medieval festivals that play out throughout Tuscany. If we have missed one that you think really should be on our to-do list, let us know!!
Have a look at these, pick one you like and enjoy!
Here are dates for 2026
May/June
Tournament of the League of Ripoli - Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
mid/end of May: MAY 23-24
A historical reenactment of medieval and Renaissance times, with knights and ladies, fencing, falconry, archery, historical cuisine, musical tournaments, flag-throwers, and juggling jesters just outside Florence in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli. Two days, free admission, in the Giardino Silvano Campeggi "I Ponti." This year marks its fourth edition, organized by the Contrada Alfiere Cultural Association. Street food is available all day, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the first day and until 5:30 p.m. on the second.
Official website: contradaalfiere.com
Festa Medievale a Malmantile - Lastra a Signa (Florence)
End of May - beginning of June: MAY 30 & 31 and JUNE 6-7
The festival takes place in the small medieval hamlet of Malmantile, in the area of Lastra a Signa.
Official Website: festamedioevalemalmantile.it
Festa Medievale Bianco Azzurra - Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo)
End of May - beginning of June: MAY 29-30-31 and JUNE 01-02-05-06-07
This festival takes place within the walls of the Rocca del Cassero in the town of Castiglion Fiorentino, just south of Arezzo.
Official Website: festamedievale.it
Fiera delle Messi a San Gimignano
In June, on the weekend closest to the 16th: JUNE 19-21
For More information - cavalieridisantafina.it
"Poggibonsi through the ages" - Parco Archeologico di Poggibonsi (Siena)
between May and June: MAY 24
This year the event takes slightly different shape, focusing in more general terms of how the hill of Poggibonsi has changed in time. Lots of activities, with a village and people in period costume to showcase the various ages that have passed and how “Poggio Imperiale” has changed over time.
The archeological park is also open every Sunday for visits, from 3 to 6pm, starting March 8, 2026.
Official website: https://www.archeodromopoggibonsi.it/ - details on the Facebook event page
Tria Turris (Chiusi)
end of June: JUNE 26-28
Step back in time at Chiusi, to the 1300’s. The town comes alive with competitions, authentic dress and lots of activities. It is a festival of street artists placed in medieval times, so the entire program is considered a show!
Official Website triaturris.it
July
Fosdinovo Medieval Fair - Fosdinovo (Massa Carrara)
first part of July: JULY 4-5
This festival commemorates the triumph of a very specific battle: Gabriele II Malaspina, alongside Lorenzo the Magnificent, won the 1487 battle to reconquer Serrazzana (Sarzana) from the Medici over the Fieschi family. The village is transformed into a vast open-air stage: within the ancient walls, the squares and streets are the backdrop for shows, parades, duels, music, and street theater. Artisan workshops, ancient crafts, authentic flavors, and historical reenactments guide visitors on a journey back in time to the land of the Malaspina family, lords of those lands.
Official site: fosdinovomedievale.eu
Monteriggioni di torri si corona - Monteriggioni (Siena)
Mid-July: JULY 9-12
Most of these activities take place within the integral town walls of Monteriggioni, which sets an exceptionally pretty stage. Take a look at a previous year we went to to look at pics (have gone several times over the years).
Official Website: monteriggionimedievale.com
Medieval Laterina: Of Iron and Fire - Rocca di Laterina (Arezzo)
Late July: July 24, 25, and 26
The castle at Laterina returns to its former splendor with the Medieval Festival, with its captivating atmosphere held at the end of July for over 20 years. Many are the protagonists of the 2026 edition of the traditional Medieval Festival, scheduled for July 24, 25, and 26: the warrior friends of the Compagnia della Spada and their breathtaking battles, the unmissable performances of the Beasts of Bacchus, and the loyal presence of the Centro di Rievocazione Storica Città di Montevarchi and the Compagnia de Monteguarco. Then there are the traveling shows of Sigismondo Errante, EquiliBrìo with Alengelon, Cantagallo Menestrello and the Angel and the Prophet of Memento Ridi, the exciting performances of the Compagnia la Barraca, the Castle's drummers with their overwhelming rhythms and the Sabbah of the Compagnia Jaddeh! Not to be missed, on Saturday and Sunday, the exhibitions and performances of the birds of prey of Passione Rapaci, which like every year will fascinate and entertain adults and children. Medea La Maga Bianca will be present with her predictions for all three days. On Friday the 24th, Dr. Giuseppe Giunta also returns and at 7 pm, in the Council Chamber of the Municipality in Palazzo Guinigi, he will speak to us about "The Battle of Campaldino and the political-social implications of the Castle of Laterina". Among this year's new features are the guided tours of the historic center, "Wandering around Laterina," scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, while Medioevo da Scoprire will be present for all three days with its "Medieval Flavors and Fragrances." On Sunday the 26th, Medieval Laterina will also see the participation of the Arezzo Flag-Wavers Association for the first time!
The village taverns and shops will welcome travelers from the moment the Castle opens, and guests can toast with the Master Brewer until late at night. Thanks to the collaboration with AiC Toscana, celiac sufferers will also be able to feast in company.
During the three days of the Festival, you can see the Castle Guard in the military camp and the faithfully reconstructed war machines, visit the Guinigi Tower, try your hand at games of skill with the Art of the Jesters, watch historical parades, reenactments, and demonstrations of ancient crafts, and encounter characters and scenes from daily life in the Castle during the Middle Ages.
A shuttle service to the historic center will be available on the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.
Official Website: laterinamedievale.it
Massa Medievale - Massa e Cozzile (Pistoia)
end of July: JULY 25-26
In the afternoon of both Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, the town of Massa and Cozzile in the province of Pistoia hosts "Massa Medievale", a medieval fair with lots of entertainment, from flag throwers and knights and court ladies as well as commoners along the streets of its historical center. You will find the stands of the fair along the streets, with artisan wares and a chance to see how many of these ancient works were done. Saturday afternoon the main piazza Cavour will host a "Grand Medieval Banquet", a special dinner organized by the ARCI L.V. GIUSFREDI association (bookings are required by July 23, call 0572.090614 to book your spot).
Offical site for more details: Massa Medievale
August
Medioevo nel Borgo - Roccatederighi (Grosseto)
First Weekend in August: AUGUST 7-9
Official Website: www.roccatederighi.it
Filetto Rinascimentale - Villafranca in Lunigiana (Massa Carrara)
mid/second part of August AUGUST 12-16
In the charming village of Filetto, five days dedicated to the Renaissance with historical parades, shows, musicians, falconers, artisan markets, traditional foods, and a magical atmosphere as the sun sets. Admission is €5.
No official site found, check out their Facebook page for updates.
Medievalis - Pontremoli (Massa Carrara)
mid-August: AUGUST 20-23
An event which captures the essence and importance of the town of Pontremoli in medieval times. medievalis.org
Volterra AD 1398 - Volterra (Pisa)
2nd and 3rd Sunday of August: AUGUST 9 & 16
Official Website: volterra1398.it
September
Salamarzana Medieval Festival - Fucecchio (Florence)
first weekend in September: SEPTEMBER 5 & 6
Official website: salamarzana.com
Medioevo in Rocca San Gimignano (Siena)
Beginning of September: SEPTEMBER 10-13
Once again we enter into the suggestive setting of San Gimignano for another festival. Website:
cavalieridisantafina.it
Fortezze di Verrucole: l'Assedio (Massa Carrara)
First weekend in September: NO NEWS YET ON DATES FOR THIS YEAR, MAYBE SEPT 4-6 - park is open for private visits
Reconstruction of the siege by the troops from Lucca, two days of medieval markets, music, shows, military demonstrations and more. Official Website fortezzaverrucolearcheopark.it but also keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
LAST UPDATE: July 21, 2026
