Giostra dell’Archidado — Cortona’s Medieval Festival 2026
The Giostra dell’Archidado is Cortona’s great medieval festival — a weeks-long celebration of crossbows, flag-throwing, costumed processions and Renaissance pageantry that fills the town from early May through the middle of June. It is one of the oldest and most authentic historical re-enactments in this part of Tuscany, and unlike many tourist-oriented events, it is run by and for the people of Cortona. This guide walks you through the entire 2026 programme in English, so you know exactly what happens, when, and where.
What Is the Giostra dell’Archidado?
The Giostra dell’Archidado is a historical re-enactment that celebrates the 1397 marriage of Francesco Casali, lord of Cortona, to Antonia Salimbeni of Siena. The festival recreates the festivities that accompanied that noble wedding, centred on a crossbow competition between Cortona’s five historic districts, known as quintieri. The name “Archidado” refers to the period of celebration that followed a wedding in medieval times.
Today the event brings together hundreds of costumed participants — crossbowmen, archers, flag-throwers (sbandieratori), drummers, falconers and nobles — across more than a month of events. The grand finale is the crossbow tournament itself, where each district competes for the coveted Verretta d’Oro, the Golden Arrow.
Insider tip: Don’t think of the Giostra as a single day. The real magic is spread across six weeks — the smaller evening events in Piazza Signorelli are far less crowded than the final Sunday, and often more atmospheric.
The Full 2026 Giostra dell’Archidado Programme
The 2026 edition — the XXXI Giostra dell’Archidado — runs from 8 May to 14 June. Here is the complete schedule of events. All events are free to attend unless otherwise noted.
May 2026 — The Opening Ceremonies
Friday 8 May, 9:30 pm — Piazza della Repubblica. The Colata dei Ceri: the ceremonial presentation of the wax candles, based on a Cortona statute dating from 1325, followed by the handing over of the flags and weapons to twelve men.
Saturday 9 May, 4:00 pm — Piazza della Repubblica. The offering of the candles to Santa Margherita and the blessing of the crossbowmen and the Golden Arrow, followed by a flag offering to Santa Margherita and a show of flag-throwers and musicians of the Gruppo Storico of the City of Cortona.
Friday 24 – Saturday 25 May. The 4th edition of the “Bigordi Flags” event.
Sunday 31 May, from 9:00 am. Piazza Signorelli hosts a medieval “Art and Craft Fair” with jesters, jugglers and a wonderful falconry exhibition. This also marks the opening of the Crossbowman’s Tavern (Taverna del Balestriere).
June 2026 — The Build-Up and the Grand Finale
Monday 1 – Tuesday 2 June, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm — Piazza Signorelli. The medieval Art and Craft Fair continues, again with jesters, jugglers and falconry, and the Crossbowman’s Tavern is open.
Thursday 11 June, 9:30 pm — Piazza Signorelli. The III Palio della Civetta — a gate of medieval archery.
Friday 12 June, 9:30 pm — Piazza Signorelli. The “Challenge of the Owls” and the Serata delle Bandiere (Flag Evening), one of the most spectacular displays of flag-throwing in the festival.
Saturday 13 June, 9:30 pm — Piazza Signorelli. The historical re-enactment of the “Marriage of Francesco Casali and Antonia Salimbeni” — the wedding at the heart of the whole festival.
Sunday 14 June — the main event. The grand finale unfolds across the day in Piazza Signorelli:
- 11:00 am — the “Provaccia”, the preliminary test for the crossbowmen before the real competition.
- 4:00 pm — the GIOSTRA DELL’ARCHIDADO itself, the crossbow tournament for the Golden Arrow.
- 8:00 pm — a Medieval Party with medieval dress and dinner (booking required).
Insider tip: If you only have time for one event, make it Sunday 14 June. But arrive in Piazza Signorelli well before 4:00 pm — the square fills up fast and the best standing spots near the shooting range go early.
Giostra dell’Archidado — Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | XXXI Giostra dell’Archidado |
| Dates 2026 | 8 May – 14 June |
| Grand finale | Sunday 14 June (crossbow tournament at 4:00 pm) |
| Main location | Piazza Signorelli & Piazza della Repubblica, Cortona |
| Entry | Free for most events; medieval dinner requires booking |
| Best for | History lovers, photographers, families |
| Language | Italian (this guide is your English companion) |
How to Get to Cortona for the Giostra
Cortona sits on a hill above the Val di Chiana, easily reached by train, car or private transfer. During festival evenings the historic centre gets busy, so plan your arrival with a little extra time. For full details on trains, parking and the ZTL restricted-traffic zone, see our complete guide below.
Insider tip: Most Giostra events are in the evening and end late. The bus between Camucia and Cortona does not run late at night — if you’re staying down the hill or arriving by an evening train, arrange a taxi or private transfer back in advance.
Where to Watch and Where to Stay
The action centres on Piazza Signorelli, beside the MAEC museum, and Piazza della Repubblica for the opening ceremonies. Both are in the heart of the walled town, within a few minutes’ walk of each other. If you want to make a weekend of it, Cortona has everything from Michelin-starred relais to family-run B&Bs — many within the walls, so you can step straight out into the festivities.
Making the Most of Your Visit to Cortona
The Giostra is just one chapter of Cortona’s story. From olive oil tastings and winery visits to hands-on woodworking workshops and local experiences — our sister site MyTuscanDays curates the finest experiences in the Cortona area, personally selected by a local expert who has lived here for years.
Whatever you’re looking for — we’re one message away.
WhatsApp: +39 333 463 8251
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Giostra dell’Archidado in 2026?
The festival runs from 8 May to 14 June 2026. The main crossbow tournament takes place on Sunday 14 June at 4:00 pm in Piazza Signorelli.
Is the Giostra dell’Archidado free?
Yes, almost all events — the processions, flag-throwing displays, archery competitions and the main tournament — are free to watch. The costumed medieval dinner on the final evening requires a booking.
Where does the Giostra dell’Archidado take place?
Most events are held in Piazza Signorelli, next to the MAEC museum, with the opening ceremonies in Piazza della Repubblica. Both squares are in the historic centre of Cortona.
What is the Giostra dell’Archidado about?
It re-enacts the 1397 wedding of Francesco Casali, lord of Cortona, to Antonia Salimbeni of Siena, and centres on a crossbow competition between Cortona’s five historic districts for the Golden Arrow (Verretta d’Oro).
How do I get to Cortona for the festival?
Cortona is reachable by train (via Camucia-Cortona or Terontola stations), by car, or by private transfer. Note that evening bus service up to the town is limited, so plan your return journey in advance.
For everything you need before you arrive, see our Plan Your Visit guide, and for trains, parking and transfers, read Getting Around Cortona.
