Bolsena 1328 Giornate Medievali 2027, Italy

À quoi s’attendre en 2027

Bolsena 1328 Giornate Medievali 2027 is expected to transform the historic Rione Castello of Bolsena into a medieval setting inspired by the siege of the town by Emperor Ludovico IV of Bavaria. The event combines historical reenactment, costumed processions, battle scenes, travelling performances, medieval music, markets and traditional food experiences. The official organiser describes Bolsena 1328 as a historical-reenactment event held in the historic centre of Bolsena.

Visitors can expect performances throughout the narrow streets of the medieval quarter, with sword fighters, musicians, flag performers, dancers and other historical entertainment. A major feature is the reconstruction of the Battle of the Rocca, representing the final assault associated with Ludovico IV’s campaign against Bolsena.

The 2027 programme has not yet been announced in full. The details below follow the established format of the latest official programme and recent editions.

Dates des événements

Festival period: August 2027

2027 dates: Exact dates TBD

Annual status: Annual historical-reenactment event

Bolsena 1328 has developed into a recurring summer historical celebration in the Rione Castello. The organiser’s historical archive records editions from 2014 onward, with editions cancelled during the COVID-19 period before the event returned.

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Lieux et lieux de festival

Rione Castello: The principal festival area is Bolsena’s medieval Castello district, where the streets, squares and historic buildings become part of the reenactment.

Piazza Monaldeschi: A central location for festival activity and the official address associated with the organising association.

Rocca Monaldeschi: The medieval fortress provides the setting for the historical atmosphere and the Battle of the Rocca reenactment.

Historic streets of Bolsena: Processions and travelling performances move through the medieval quarter and, during some programme elements, through the wider historic centre.

Medieval market areas: Temporary stalls provide crafts, food, drinks and medieval-themed products.

The official 2025 programme confirms the use of the Rione Castello, Rocca Monaldeschi and streets of the historic centre for the main programme.

Full cultural programme

The 2027 cultural programme is expected to include a combination of historical reconstruction and entertainment.

• Procession historique
• Battle of the Rocca reenactment
• Sword-fighting demonstrations
• Archery performances
• Flag-waving and musicians
• Medieval dance performances
• Travelling theatrical shows
• Historical characters and entertainers
• Medieval markets
• Gastronomic stalls
• Period-inspired food and drinks
• Evening musical performances
• Closing entertainment

The most recent official programme included the Spadaccini di Soriano, Sbandieratori & Musici Monaldeschi Bolsena, Le Ombre di Montecoronato, La Principessa Celsa, Muse del Diavolo, Compagnia di Ferro, Syn Circus and other visiting performance groups.

Featured traditions & performances

Corteo Storico: The historical procession is one of the central elements of the festival, with participants dressed in medieval costumes moving through the Rione Castello and historic centre.

La Battaglia della Rocca: This dramatic reenactment represents the final assault associated with the siege of Bolsena by Ludovico IV the Bavarian. It combines historical characters, combat choreography and the medieval setting of the Rocca.

Sword fighters: Sword-fighting groups provide demonstrations and travelling performances through the festival streets.

Archers: Historical archery forms part of the medieval entertainment programme and contributes to the atmosphere of the reconstructed settlement.

Flag-wavers and musicians: Sbandieratori and musicians provide traditional Italian historical-festival performances throughout the Rione Castello.

Dancers and travelling performers: Medieval-inspired dance, circus and theatrical groups add entertainment between the major historical scenes.

Historical & heritage highlights

The festival commemorates the siege of Bolsena in 1328 during the conflict involving Ludovico IV of Bavaria, Pope John XXII and the papacy’s political opponents. According to the historical account presented by the organiser, Ludovico’s forces attacked Bolsena because of its strategic importance, with the Rocca forming the centre of the town’s defensive system.

The historical account is based in part on the chronicle of Pietro Corcadi, a source preserved in the Archivio di Stato di Lucca. The organiser explains that the local population resisted repeated attacks and that the imperial forces ultimately abandoned the attempt to take Bolsena.

The heritage experience extends beyond the festival itself. The Rione Castello contains the Rocca Monaldeschi, narrow medieval streets, stone stairways and historic buildings. The Rocca houses the Museo Territoriale del Lago di Bolsena, including archaeological collections and an aquarium.

Events & activities schedule

The exact 2027 schedule is still TBD, but the established format normally includes:

• Festival opening: Medieval market stalls, food stands and entertainment begin in the Rione Castello.
• Travelling performances: Performers move through the streets with music, dance, combat displays and theatrical entertainment.
• Historical procession: Costumed participants recreate the atmosphere of medieval Bolsena.
• Battle reenactment: The Battle of the Rocca recreates the climactic stage of the historical siege.
• Evening performances: Additional travelling shows and performances continue after the principal reenactment.
• Closing programme: The festival concludes with a final musical or entertainment performance.

The latest official programme confirms this general structure, with food stalls and markets, a historical procession, travelling performances, the Battle of the Rocca and a closing concert.

Ticket types & entry options

General festival admission: The latest published edition used a general admission ticket for the Giornate Medievali.

Previous-edition reference price: $4.68 per person, based on the latest published ticket price of €4 converted to USD at approximately €1 = $1.17. This is a previous-edition reference price and is not confirmed for 2027.

Market and street performances: These activities form part of the general festival experience.

Food and drinks: Gastronomic stalls operate separately from the admission ticket, with food and beverages purchased directly from vendors.

2027 pricing: Not yet announced.

Guided tours & cultural experiences

Bolsena 1328 is primarily an immersive historical reenactment rather than a dedicated guided-tour programme. Visitors experience medieval history by walking through the Rione Castello while performances, processions and battle scenes take place around them.

Visitors can also combine the festival with guided cultural experiences in Bolsena. The official Visit Bolsena tourism service lists local tourist guides who offer tours focused on the town’s history, art and cultural heritage.

Recommended experiences include:

• Exploring Rione Castello
• Visiting Rocca Monaldeschi
• Visiting the Museo Territoriale del Lago di Bolsena
• Walking the medieval streets
• Learning about the 1328 siege
• Exploring the historic centre
• Combining the festival with Lake Bolsena sightseeing

Special ceremonies & celebrations

Historical procession: The Corteo Storico provides the principal ceremonial presentation of the medieval characters and atmosphere.

Battle of the Rocca: The main historical spectacle recreates the siege and resistance associated with Bolsena in 1328.

Medieval markets: Market stalls contribute to the transformation of the historic quarter into a medieval-themed environment.

Evening entertainment: Musical performances, travelling shows and theatrical acts provide entertainment after the historical scenes.

Closing concert: Recent editions have ended with a dedicated musical performance, providing a final celebration after the historical programme.

Règles du festival

The 2027 visitor rules have not yet been published.

Respect restricted areas: Visitors should remain outside battle, performance and backstage areas unless authorised.

Follow staff instructions: Festival staff and local authorities may establish temporary pedestrian routes, barriers and crowd-control measures.

Respect the historic setting: The event takes place in a sensitive medieval environment, so visitors should avoid damaging historic buildings, walls, streets or decorations.

Follow safety instructions: Battle reenactments involve controlled combat performances, so spectators should remain behind designated safety barriers.

Photography: Visitors should avoid obstructing performers, processions or emergency routes while taking photographs.

Children: Parents and guardians should supervise children closely around crowds, performances, stairs and battle reenactment areas.

Any specific 2027 safety, access or participation regulations should be checked with the organiser once the new programme is released.

Comment y arriver

En voiture : Bolsena can be reached by road from Rome, Viterbo, Orvieto and other towns in Lazio and Umbria. From the A1 motorway, the official tourism service recommends using the Orvieto exit and continuing along the Strada Umbro Casentinese, while another route uses the Orte exit and continues toward Viterbo before joining the Cassia.

From Viterbo: Bolsena is approximately 30 km from Viterbo via the Via Cassia.

From Orvieto: Bolsena is approximately 24 km from Orvieto, making Orvieto a practical transport connection for visitors arriving by train.

Par avion : The official tourism service lists Perugia, Rome Fiumicino, Rome Ciampino and Florence among the nearest major airports.

By foot: Bolsena is also connected with the Via Francigena, making it possible to incorporate the town into a longer walking itinerary.

Transports en commun et stationnement

Bus : Bolsena is connected to the regional COTRAL network, with services from surrounding destinations and connections through Viterbo.

Train : Bolsena does not have a railway station in the town centre. The nearest railway stations listed by the local tourism service are Montefiascone-Zepponami, Orvieto and Viterbo, with onward bus connections to Bolsena.

Stationnement : Visitors arriving by car should use designated parking areas outside or around the historic quarter. The official tourism information recommends parking near the Church of the SS. Salvatore when visiting the medieval Rione Castello.

Marche : Once parked, visitors should expect to explore much of the festival area on foot because the medieval quarter contains narrow streets, stairways and pedestrian spaces.

Zones d’hébergement

Bolsena historic centre: The most convenient area for visitors wanting immediate access to Rione Castello and the festival activities.

Lakeside Bolsena: Hotels, guesthouses, apartments and holiday accommodation around Lake Bolsena provide access to both the festival and waterfront.

Bolsena countryside: Agriturismi and rural properties offer a quieter setting outside the centre.

Montefiascone: A nearby hill town that can work as an alternative accommodation base.

Orvieto: A useful option for visitors combining Bolsena with a wider Umbria and northern Lazio itinerary.

The local tourism portal provides accommodation information and describes Bolsena as having a range of hospitality facilities, including hotels, campsites and farm accommodation.

Food & traditional specialties

Food is an integral part of Bolsena 1328. The official event programme includes gastronomic stalls serving food and drinks associated with the medieval atmosphere, alongside market stalls and evening entertainment.

Visitors can also explore the wider food culture of Bolsena and Lake Bolsena, where local cuisine is strongly connected with freshwater fish and agricultural products.

Coregone: Lake Bolsena’s famous freshwater fish is one of the area’s best-known local specialities and can be grilled or served with sauce.

Lake fish: Other freshwater fish preparations can be found around the lake.

Local products: Visitors can look for regional cheeses, cured meats, breads, vegetables and traditional Lazio specialities.

Festival food stalls: During Bolsena 1328, temporary food stalls provide an opportunity to experience dishes and drinks presented within the medieval-festival setting.

Accessibilité

The festival takes place in the historic Rione Castello, where accessibility can be challenging because of narrow medieval lanes, steep sections, stone stairways and uneven surfaces. The local tourism information specifically notes the steep Via delle Piagge and recommends comfortable footwear for exploring the medieval quarter.

Visitors with reduced mobility should plan their route carefully and contact the organiser or Bolsena Tourist Office before attending if they require specific assistance.

Historic terrain: Expect uneven paving, steps and slopes.

Rocca area: Access around the fortress may involve uphill sections.

Alternative access: Parking near the SS. Salvatore area can provide a more practical starting point for visitors exploring the Rocca district by car.

The Visit Bolsena tourism service also provides an accessibility contact for visitors who need additional information.

Best cultural experiences

Walk through Rione Castello: Exploring the medieval quarter during the festival provides the closest connection with the event’s historical setting.

Watch the Corteo Storico: The procession brings medieval characters and costumes into the streets of Bolsena.

See the Battle of the Rocca: This is the principal historical reenactment and recreates the siege associated with Ludovico IV.

Explore Rocca Monaldeschi: The fortress is one of the most important landmarks in the medieval quarter and houses the Museo Territoriale del Lago di Bolsena.

Watch sword fighters and archers: Combat demonstrations provide a visual representation of medieval military culture.

Experience the medieval market: Food, crafts and market stalls add another dimension to the historical atmosphere.

Try local lake cuisine: Sampling coregone and other freshwater fish connects the festival visit with the wider culinary identity of Bolsena.

Faits marquants de l’année précédente

The latest official programme featured three evenings of medieval entertainment in the Rione Castello, with food stalls, markets, historical processions and travelling performances. The programme included sword fighters, flag-wavers, musicians, dancers, circus performers and historical entertainment groups.

A major highlight was the reconstruction of La Battaglia della Rocca, representing the final siege of Bolsena by Ludovico IV the Bavarian. The performance was integrated into the historic setting of the Rione Castello and Rocca Monaldeschi.

The closing programme included a concert, while the final historical procession expanded beyond the Rione Castello into the wider streets of Bolsena. The latest edition was described as the 14th edition of the modern event.

Billets officiels

2027 ticket status: Not yet announced.

Previous-edition reference price: $4.68 for general admission, based on the latest published price of €4 converted to USD at approximately €1 = $1.17. The 2027 price may change when official ticket sales open.

Official organiser: APS Bolsena A.D. 1328

Site officiel : https://www.bolsena1328.it/

Courriel : bolsena1328@libero.it

Telephone: +39 339 649 1208

PEC: bolsena1328@pec.it

Official address: Piazza Monaldeschi, Bolsena, Viterbo, Italy.

Official 2027 ticket information should be checked through the organiser’s website once the new programme and booking arrangements are published.

Localisation

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