21 Jul 2025

Medieval Days 2025

From 25 to 27 July, 2025, the Republic San Marino’s Old Town will turn into a medieval village

From 25 to 27 July, 2025, the Republic San Marino’s Old Town will turn into a medieval village for the 28th edition of “Giornate Medioevali”- Medieval Days.

The Republic of San Marino will host the 28th edition of “Giornate Medioevali”, scheduled from Friday 25 July  to Sunday 27 July, 2025, a historical reenactment among the most anticipated in the San Marino cultural calendar.

For three days, starting at 18:00, San Marino’s Old Town will host a rich program of activities inspired by the Middle Ages: historical reenactments, traveling shows, camps, artisan workshops, jesters, musicians, and parades in period costumes, which will recreate the atmosphere and charm of medieval San Marino.

The official inauguration will take place on Friday 25 July at 17:30 in Piazza della Libertà, preceded by the traditional reading of the proclamation by the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation, which will take place in the streets of the Old Town starting at 17:00.

Every day, the squares and streets of the Old Town will come alive with traveling shows. Sammarinese Historical Groups and guest companies from all over Italy and Europe, will perform a rich and engaging program from 18:00 until late in the evening, in a setting of great historical and cultural value.

First Tower Guaita, open with free admission from 17:30 to midnight on Friday and Saturday and until 23:00 on Sunday 27 July. The Tower will be enlivened by scenes of medieval life performed by historical groups as La Corte di Olnano and La Compagnia dell’Istrice, while Piazzale Domus Plebis will be the headquarters of La Cerna dei Lunghi Archi and Barattieri – Associazione Giochi Storici Sammarinesi, with demonstrations of period civilian and military life.

Many new additions in the 2025 edition: La Taverna del Falco, the convivial heart of the event offering flavors of times gone by. Here, among lavishly laid tables and a charming atmosphere, you can enjoy lunch and dinner, savoring dishes inspired by local traditions, prepared to evoke the aromas and flavors of the Middle Ages. A gastronomic experience that completes the journey into the past, perfect for those who want to experience the festival through food as well.

A children's area will be set up, with puppet shows, ventriloquists, marionettes, and storytellers in the beautiful location of Giardino dei Liburni.

There will be a special themed market in Via Eugippo, where you can discover ancient crafts and purchase period-inspired items, from jewelry to fabrics, from ceramics to historical reproductions.

This year, the "Win the History of San Marino” contest will be back in a completely new format, rewarding the most evocative photos taken at the photo booth location, at Cantone Panoramico, near the cable car arrival point in the Old Town.

A guided tour with a tasting of typical products will be offered to the five lucky winners of the photo contest

Cava dei Balestrieri will be the event's main stage; you will be part of unforgettable performances by international artists and historical groups.

On Friday 25 July, at 21:00, the opening performance will be led by the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation, followed by a performance by the very famous Calcio Storico Fiorentino, a music and flag show by Fanfarenzug Waldkirk and a show featuring medieval music and drums by La Cerna dei Lunghi Archi of San Marino.

On Saturday 26 July, at 20:45, the Fanfarenzug Waldkirk will host a flag and music show, followed by an acrobatic display by Zirkus Meer and flag games by Sbandieratori of San Sepolcro.

Also on Saturday evening at 21:30 at Campo Bruno Reffi, the 58th National Crossbow Tournament will take place, organized by the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation.

The grand finale, expected for Sunday evening in Cava dei Balestrieri, will be the "Disfida del Tricorniolo," one of the most engaging and exciting crossbow competitions among the cities of Lucca, Massa Marittima, Pisa (Porta San Marco), Volterra, Sansepolcro, and the Republic of San Marino.

Not to be missed is the “Torneo della Libertà”, a traditional competition between costumed archers that will conclude with the Finale del Collare di San Marino, on Sunday 27 July, starting at 16:30 in Cava dei Balestrieri, featuring historical archery companies from across Italy.

During the three-day event, you may explore San Marino in a completely new and engaging way thanks to free guided tours of First Tower Guaita (in Italian at 10:00 and 12:00 and English at 11:00), and special tours of the Old Town at 15:00 and 16:30 for €7 per person.

The Medieval Days are also an opportunity to visit the Crossbowmen Museum. Through the exhibition of relics, mementos, awards and costumes, visitors will learn about the fascinating history of San Marino Crossbowmen Federation. The museum is located in Contrada Omerelli 51 and will be open to the public every day of the event from 15:30 to 19:15.

Statements:

Federico Pedini Amati – Minister of Tourism: "As usual, the program for this new edition of the “Medieval Days” is of highest quality; this event, along with the “Christmas of Wonders”, represents the most distinctive aspect of San Marino's offering. San Marino is presented in a new light, with dedicated displays, offering a truly immersive experience, as if it were a medieval drama. The “Medieval Days” are the quintessential San Marino summer event. For years, they have distinguished our tourism program, taking the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, back in time. The program presented this morning is satisfying; it is varied and it offers several new features compared to previous editions. We wish the organizers the best of luck, a heartfelt thanks to the performers and a warm welcome to San Marino to visitors."

Annachiara Sica - Director of the San Marino Tourist Board: the “Medieval Days” of the Republic of San Marino, now in their 28th year, are a well-established event in the summer calendar and they represent one of the most significant and distinctive events in San Marino's cultural and tourism program. “Medieval Days” are not just a journey through time but an immersive experience in the Middle Ages that celebrates the roots of our Republic, the oldest in the world. For three evenings, San Marino’s Old Town turns into an authentic medieval village, enlivened by costume parades, shows and challenges, ancient music, themed markets, and historical reenactments that engage both adults and children. Every corner of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comes alive with history, charm and emotion. The “Medieval Days” are not just a celebration but an invitation to discover the soul of San Marino and rediscover the values of freedom, identity, and tradition that have defined our land for centuries."

Giuseppe Del Barna - Artistic Director: "What I've always wanted is to structure the “Medieval Days” as an invitation home; we've designed the event for everyone, including children, with a dedicated area. Numerous shows will take place over the three days, plus two extra events: “Torneo della Libertà” and the National Crossbow Tournament.

“Medieval Days”  is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Board of the Republic of San Marino. The event is organized by MAD S.r.l. with Giuseppe Del Barna as Artistic Director, in collaboration with Uebba, graphic and communication agency.

Admission to the event is free.

Detailed information, the complete program and reservations are available at www.giornatemedioevali.com or at the three Info Points located at Porta San Francesco, Porta della Fratta, and at the cable car arrival point in the City of San Marino (next to the bust of Bartolomeo Borghesi).