Medievalis - Anno Domini 1226

For four days in mid-August, the medieval city of Pontremoli comes alive with their age-old ways as the host of a Medieval festival.

 

Even though Pontremoli is located in Tuscany, it is one of the most important cities of the Lunigiana, an ancient region comprising eastern Liguria and north-western Tuscany. It’s castle, Castello di Piagnaro, is also one of the restored and tourable “Castles of the Lunigiana”.

This unassuming village has quite the historical past. Pontremoli has been around for thousands of years, but it’s heyday was during medieval times when it’s central location and abundant river put in the middle of everything. 

It was a top stop for pilgrims, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Emperor Frederick II. Even Pier delle Vigne, a character in Dante’s Inferno, passed through the streets of Pontremoli, albeit in chains. 

This festival fills the narrow cobblestone streets with vendors from all walks of life. From basic antique shops to specialty handmade goods. 

Several vendors offered unique, handmade jewelry. 

 

Hand woven wool hats and scarves, including the odd, pointed hats that were seen throughout town.

These were very interesting masks, made from formed leather. They varied from simple, butterfly shaped masks to ornately decorated and painted ghoulish masks. 

One of the highlights for me was “Lo Torneo de Bandiera” or the tournament of flags. A few of the local towns gave quite a show with their band and flags. But Pontremoli was by far the best group.

The pounding beat of the drums accompanied by flutes and a vibrant display of flags flying through the air was quite enjoyable. 

Making our way to the castle was a bit of a hike, but the little alleys led to stunning views. 

The castle was a bustle with activity. They had two areas with food, wine and local artisan beer, live music and an avian demonstration.
  

They had an impressive selection from eagles to falcons to several breeds of owl, including an endangered white owl (click on the photo below for a better view).

  

 

After exploring the castle a bit, we got some traditional focaccette and headed back down to town. Even into the night the festivities were going strong. 

On Sunday, the final evening they had a big show of all the costumed participants from knights to commoners at the castle and to finish the festival, fireworks over the town.

Don’t miss next years festival!

Mediovalis Medieval Event                                                    Mid-August
Castello del Piagnaro                                                              www.medievalis.org
Pontremoli (MS)