Medieval Festival of Vicopisano

Every first weekend in September, the medieval festival in Vicopisano has, for the past 29 years, paid tribute to a past in which, between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the ancient castellum flourished into a small town, initially important to the Republic of Pisa and later to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Street performances wind their way through the narrow streets and small squares of Vicopisano, featuring flag-wavers, jugglers, acrobats, fire-eaters, stilt-walkers and travelling theatre troupes.

The medieval dinner takes place in the small square in front of Palazzo Pretorio, but if there are no seats available, you can dine in the village’s taverns, after exchanging money at the entrance and paying with the‘Grossi Pisani’.

Another attraction is the medieval market, featuring artefacts and jewellery, including items for young knights and ladies. On Sunday afternoon, the medieval festivities will be dedicated to children, with entertainment, games and activities.

On Saturday, the village opens at 5.00 pm; on Sunday, it opens at 4.00 pm, featuring the special ‘Medieval Festival for Kids’

The squares, gardens, towers and streets of the Castle will be filled with jesters, musicians, stilt-walkers, acrobats, fire performers, magicians, falconers, knights and ladies. There will be theatre and aerial acrobatics, puppetry, comic juggling, fakir acts, balancing acts, fire shows, medieval dances and music.

At 8.00 pm, setting off from Piazza Cavalca, the historical procession will take place, featuring flag-wavers, musicians and re-enactors: the Sbandieratori e Musici della Valmarina, the Sbandieratori di Santo Stefano di Cascina, the Gruppo Storico Sbandieratori e Balestrieri di Pisa and the Gruppo Storico Casteldurante.

At 8.30 pm, in the Piazza del Pretorio, the Medieval Banquet will return on Saturday and Sunday (booking required – sold out), featuring traditional dishes from the period, medieval etiquette and captivating performances by travelling troupes.

On Sunday, the Middle Ages will be for kids: ‘Art of the Jester’ workshops, games and ancient crafts, medieval fencing, archery, wooden toys, falconry with diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, theatre, duels, ladies and knights, and even ‘The Middle Ages on Horseback’, to experience the thrill of mounting a horse.

The Brunelleschi Fortress, the Tower of Soccorso and its walkway are also open in the evening: Saturday: 15:30–18:30 and 21:00–23:00; Sunday: 10:00–12:30, 15:00–18:30 and 21:00–23:00.

A free shuttle bus service is also available, departing from Viale Diaz and arriving at Piazza Cavalca.