July 10–12 | Albenga, 13th Century – Spirituality, Nundinae, and Ancient Crafts

Three days dedicated to the historical-philological reconstruction of the 13th century with:

• Nundinae and medieval markets
• Ancient crafts and historic workshops
• Camps, merchants and pilgrims
• Medieval music, shows and animations
• Cultural events and educational opportunities
• Official investiture of the Captains of the Neighborhoods
• Historical parades and public ceremonies
• New for 2026: Archery competitions in Piazza IV Novembre

Among the main new features of the 2026 edition is the new historical archery competition field, which will be set up in Piazza IV Novembre during the first weekend of the event, from July 10th to 12th.

For the first time, archery will not only be one of the Palio's competitions, but will also become the first official competitive event of the entire event, effectively inaugurating the challenge between Sant'Eulalia, San Giovanni, Santa Maria, and San Siro. The new competition field will host the official trials of the district archers and the first awarding of points counting towards the overall ranking of the Palio Storico di Albenga® 2026, immediately bringing the competition to the heart of the city and engaging the public from the very first days of the event.

The area will be conceived as a space for entertainment and education, where visitors and enthusiasts can watch competitions, learn about archery techniques, and explore the role archery played in 13th-century society, both military and civilian.

The choice of Piazza IV Novembre will also allow for the expansion of the event's spaces and the creation of a new attraction within the Palio route, enhancing a historic discipline that has always represented one of the most anticipated and spectacular moments of the competition between the districts.

With this new development, the Palio Storico di Albenga® continues its growth, increasingly combining the cultural and competitive aspects of the event, in a balance capable of engaging the public, reenactors, and enthusiasts of all ages.

Educational activities, workshops, medieval table and demonstrations:

• The San Siro Medieval Lunch, Sunday the 12th , will feature medieval dishes, animated and narrated by local performers in collaboration with ARTE COQUINARIA. Throughout the lunch, there will be themed entertainment and shows, with musicians, jesters, and costumed performers, making the experience even more immersive and fun for both adults and children. (Tickets for the San Siro Medieval Lunch are already available in advance at Silvana idee per la casa, Via Medaglie d'Oro 85.)
• Medieval wooden games curated by the San Giovanni district in Via Mariettina Lengueglia.
• The Unicorn Nutcracker and the Jar-Smashing Knight , organized by the Sant'Eulalia District in Piazza Trincheri.
• Creative workshops for children by ARTBIT, curated by Linda Castiglione, on scheduled evenings, from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm (info INSTAGRAM @artbit_studio) :
  • JULY 11: Little alchemists create night potions

July 16-19 - Palio dei Quartieri: "The Sacred That Rules the City"

After three years of chronicling the world of ancient crafts and daily life in 13th-century Albenga, the new cultural itinerary focuses on the relationship between spirituality, society, and governance of the medieval city. The key figure will once again be Pope Innocent IV , Sinibaldo Fieschi, a key figure in one of the most important moments in medieval European history and deeply connected to the city of Albenga.

Under the theme "The Sacred That Rules the City," the 2026 edition will explore the role of the Church in the 13th century, the spread of religious orders, preaching, community moral control, devotional practices, and the relationship between spiritual power and everyday life. This historical journey will allow the public to understand how religion was a central element in the construction of medieval society, influencing culture, economics, education, justice, and social relations. For the first time, the historical project will see each neighborhood develop a different aspect of medieval spirituality.

The complete program

Four days of entertainment and competition will see the districts compete for the coveted Palio Storico di Albenga® through:

• Historical parades : the event opens with large parades in period costumes with the passage of Innocent IV
• Games between the neighborhoods : tug of war, the medieval family and stone throwing
• Evening shows : musicians, fire-eaters, jesters, dances, duels and other itinerant artists
• Great theatrical show on Friday and Saturday evening, 10.30pm, by La Duecentesca
• Themed markets: artisans and medieval items in Largo Doria, Via Enrico d'Aste and Piazza
• Palio Extramoenia: artisans, tastings, food, and typical products in Piazza del Popolo
• Creative workshops for children by ARTBIT, curated by Linda Castiglione, on scheduled evenings, from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm (info INSTAGRAM @artbit_studio) :
  • JULY 16: Create your own medieval costume
  • JULY 19: Little alchemists create nighttime potions
  • JULY 18: messing with clay
  • JULY 17: Make your own medieval crown or mask
• Taverns within the walls : a wide range of culinary offerings to enjoy the Middle Ages, courtesy of merchants in the historic center, local associations, and other participating businesses.

Educational activities, workshops, medieval table and demonstrations:

• Medieval wooden games curated by the San Giovanni district in Via Mariettina Lengueglia.
• The Unicorn Nutcracker and the Jar-Smashing Knight , organized by the Sant'Eulalia District in Piazza Trincheri.
• Creative workshops for children by ARTBIT, curated by Linda Castiglione, on scheduled evenings, from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm (info INSTAGRAM @artbit_studio) :
  • JULY 11: Little alchemists create night potions

Two events curated by the steel blackbirds

From July 10th to 19th, the Civic Tower hosts an exhibition entitled "A Stroll in the 13th Century." Curated by the "I Merli d'Acciaio" Arms Company, the exhibition is free to enter from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

• 13th Century Tailoring Exhibition
• Exhibition of 13th-century weapons and armor
• Music with historical instruments
• Teaching about life in a military company
• Entertainment for children and families

The artists of the 2026 edition

• La Duecentesca Cultural Association
• Fantasy Park Educational Farm
• Contrada Corte – Flag-wavers
• Chemistry of fire
• Futhark
• Ianna Tampè
• Tagatam Rattles
• Slughorns
• Milfo the Buffoon Jester
• Pierpaolo Pederzini
• Amber
• Drummers of the Podestà
• Company of the Steel Blackbirds
• Luporum Filii Arms Company

The Neighborhoods...to learn more

The Palio Storico di Albenga was born as a challenge between the four neighborhoods into which the historic center of Albenga was and is divided, and today it has taken the name of “Palio Storico di Albenga” .

San Giovanni or Torlata to the northwest, takes its name from the Baptistery or church of San Giovanni.
San Siro includes the southwestern part of the city and takes its name from a small church, now disappeared, dedicated to the Genoese bishop Siro.
Sant'Eulalia includes the south-eastern part of the old town and takes its name from a small church which no longer exists, remembered by the via Sant'Eulalia .
Santa Maria includes the north-eastern part of the city and takes its name from the ancient medieval church, rebuilt in the seventeenth century, of Santa Maria in Fontibus , from the spring which is found under the main altar.

Info on the neighborhoods