Serravalle in the Middle Ages: battles and traditions
Assedio alla Rocca: history comes to life
Serravalle Pistoiese
In the territory of Serravalle Pistoiese, the Middle Ages come to life with reenactments, historic banquets, and performances blending history and tradition.
Every year in the territory of Serravalle Pistoiese, history comes to life. With historical reenactments, ancient crafts, and medieval atmospheres, the villages are transformed into lively stages where the past meets the present. A journey through time filled with duels, banquets, and performances, captivating both young and old.
Assedio alla Rocca
Each year, in September, the hamlet of Serravalle relives the historic 1302 siege by the Florentine and Lucchese troops, led by Marquis Moroello Malaspina.
The reenactment is a true journey back in time: camps, ancient crafts, and public trials immerse spectators in the Late Middle Ages. The event includes medieval games, guided tours, and demonstrations of falconry and archery.
Celebrations of San Lodovico and the Archers’ Palio
On August 19, Serravalle honours its patron saint, San Lodovico, whose miraculous apparition in 1306, according to legend, saved the village from being sacked by the Lucchesi. The religious celebrations culminate in the Palio dei Mercenari and the Palio degli Arcieri.
Inside the Rocca Nuova, a military encampment is set up, recreating the medieval atmosphere of the 14th century, a time marked by frequent battles and conflicts between Lucca and Pistoia.
The Palio dei Mercenari, held on August 17, determines the assignment of four fighters to the various districts, who will compete in the Palio degli Arcieri on August 18. This competition is an archery contest among the four districts of Serravalle, Masotti, Castellina, and Ponte di Serravalle, each accompanied by its respective mercenary. They compete for the coveted Palio banner, a painted canvas dedicated to San Lodovico.
Medieval dinner and feast of San Rocco
In August, in Castellina, an ancient fortified village overlooking the Serravalle Pass, the feast of San Rocco occurs. The patronal festival is preceded by a medieval dinner, where authentic period dishes enrich the lavishly set tables in the village square, recreating a magical atmosphere with fire performances, duels, and medieval music.
