The Undiscovered Festival You Can’t Miss in Tuscany

Updated: Oct 6, 2020


If you’re planning a summer vacation under the warm Tuscan sun and want to experience a piece of authentic Italian culture, look no further! The medieval festival in Monteriggioni lasts for two weekends in a row and will overwhelm you with its unique atmosphere. This hidden place is only about an hour’s drive from Florence and the crowd is about 90% local Italians, so you can avoid mass tourism and truly feel the genuine culture. Welcome to the Middle Ages!

Medieval guards protecting the entry to a castle under a big arch looking out to the Tuscan landscape

Medieval Festival in Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is a fascinating ancient town which is actually a castle. Its historic walls and scenic watchtowers immediately make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. At their annual Medieval Festival, people dress up in period costumes and around every corner, you’ll find performances, activities, and food. You can even exchange your cash to a local “medieval” currency!


two young boys dressed in medieval costume in an old stone piazza

Accompanied by a group of drummers, these noble ladies dancing in their beautiful medieval gowns will leave you in awe. Look at the colors and embroideries!


ladies dressed in fine medieval dresses with a line of drummers behind them

There are countless live, medieval-themed performances to enjoy throughout the day ranging from funny jesters that surprisingly succeed at making you laugh, to witches on stilts, alluring belly dancers, knights, imminent warriors, and frightening fire breathers, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Or how about watching them all?!


medieval jesters and young boy playing jokes at Italian medieval festival