Barbarossa returns to Medicina from September 18 to 20.
The castle’s inhabitants are preparing to welcome the Emperor’s arrival; the castle is in a festive mood, and the keepers of the towers are preparing libations and traditional dishes from their region.
The entire city will be immersed in a medieval atmosphere with many events: from the Palio della Serpe to the Caursa dal Dog e Tri, from the traveling historical archery competition to the sumptuous Imperial Banquet.
In addition, throughout the event, costumed performers and artists will enliven the squares and streets, and visitors will be able to enjoy fire shows, magic acts, combat demonstrations, flag-waving displays, juggling, and much, much more!
Food stands will be set up in the historic center.
The Legend
The “Historia bella” recounts that in 1154, Frederick I of Swabia—known as Barbarossa—while passing through Medicina, fell gravely ill and was saved by a broth prepared by the local inhabitants, into which a snake had accidentally fallen, allowing him to regain his health.
It also recounts how, as a token of gratitude to the town’s inhabitants, the emperor named the town Medicina, granting it autonomy from Bologna’s rule, establishing its boundaries, and bestowing upon it privileges and exemptions.
History, legend, and imagination are the components of the extraordinary collective creativity that brings this great festival to life—a reenactment that enthusiastically engages the entire region.
One of the events that characterizes the festival in honor of Barbarossa is the Palio della Serpe.
