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Republic of San Marino
San Marino.
Event · Historical re-enactment

Medieval
Days

On the last weekend of July the historic centre of San Marino becomes the stage for four days of historical re-enactments. Costumed parades, crossbowmen, musicians, flag bearers, markets and ancient crafts: the Crossbowmen's Quarry hosts the evening shows.

Length
4 days
Period
July
Location
Old Town

Last weekend of July · Programme published yearly by the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation

Performers in medieval costume parade through the historic centre of San Marino during the Medieval Days
Medieval Days · July
The Old Town transforms
§ I — Four days of celebration

The Old Town in costume

The Medieval Days turn the historic centre into a medieval town for four consecutive days. In the alleys, daily life of another time is recreated: artisans at work, markets with goods, weapons and fabrics, music of flutes, gironde and drums. Through the streets follow parades of costumed performers, re-enactments of official ceremonies and scenes of court life.

In the evening, food shops offer dishes prepared from medieval recipes, and the warm light of torches and lanterns reveals a face of the town hardly recognisable compared to ordinary visiting hours. The monuments themselves take part in the staging: the First Tower hosts a reconstruction of medieval court life; the Crossbowmen's Quarry becomes a military camp.

§ II — Disfida del Tricorniolo

A historical crossbow contest

One of the most awaited appointments is the Disfida del Tricorniolo, a historical Italian-style crossbow shooting competition organised by the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation. The Tricorniolo is the target, designed specifically for the first edition of the Medieval Days: its peculiar three-horned shape makes it very difficult to hit the mark with the verretta, the bolt used in the historical crossbow.

The contest brings together Sammarinese crossbowmen and Italian guests, within a circuit of historical re-enactment that for the Republic has deep roots: the corps of crossbowmen has been mentioned in the Statutes since the Middle Ages.

§ III — What to see

Main appointments

  1. 01.

    Opening celebration

    Inaugural parade with crossbowmen, flag bearers, musicians and performers. Departure from and arrival at the Crossbowmen's Quarry.

  2. 02.

    Market and ancient crafts

    Artisans at work in the alleys, stalls with clothing, weapons, jewels, ceramics and ironwork.

  3. 03.

    Life at the First Tower

    Reconstruction of medieval court life at the Rocca della Guaita, with costumed performers.

  4. 04.

    Military encampment

    Tents, armour, drills of archers and crossbowmen in the Crossbowmen's Quarry.

  5. 05.

    Disfida del Tricorniolo

    Crossbow shooting contest with the distinctive three-horned target, a test of skill among the best shooters.

  6. 06.

    Evening shows

    Performances retracing episodes of Sammarinese history, with music and lights, in the Crossbowmen's Quarry.

«When the Crossbowmen's Quarry lights up with torches, the rock becomes a stage. Down there, for four nights, Sammarinese history is told before the audience.»
— Editorial team, sanmarinosite.com
§ IV — Continue

Linked to summer

Places

Crossbowmen's Quarry

The natural amphitheatre that hosts the evening shows.
Tradition

Crossbowmen

The historic corps of the Republic, with medieval roots.
August

Mi Gusto San Marino

The food festival of the central weekend of August.
FAQ · Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When are the Medieval Days of San Marino held?
Every year on the last weekend of July, typically from Thursday to Sunday, four days of historical re-enactments, parades and evening shows.
Where do the evening shows take place?
In the Crossbowmen's Quarry, the natural amphitheatre carved into the rock, which hosts the opening celebration with the parade of Crossbowmen, Flag Bearers, Musicians and Performers, alongside the evening shows that retrace the history of the Republic.
What is the Disfida del Tricorniolo?
A historical Italian-style crossbow shooting competition, distinguished by the Tricorniolo, a target designed by the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation for the first edition of the Medieval Days. Its three-horned shape makes it especially difficult to hit with the verretta bolt.
Are there activities for children?
Yes. The programme includes spaces dedicated to younger visitors with entertainment, workshops and activities inspired by the legends linked to Saint Marinus.
Is admission paid?
Re-enactments along the streets of the historic centre and the artisan markets are free of charge. Evening shows at the Crossbowmen's Quarry may require a ticket, with the programme released for each edition.