Did you know that more than 800 participants in baroque costumes parade through the streets of Foligno on 14 September for the Giostra della Quintana? Attending this medieval festival with your children is a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to equestrian jousting — non-violent, of course — in a truly unique medieval atmosphere. We've experienced it firsthand so you don't have to guess! Villa Allegria in Foligno is here to help you turn this cultural outing into a magical adventure perfectly suited to younger visitors.
Key takeaways:
Since the 17th century, the equestrian jousts of Foligno have kept alive a uniquely Italian medieval tradition. This spectacular jousting display pits the city's ten historic districts (rioni) against one another in a contest where riders must thread their lance through rings of decreasing size: 8 cm in the first round, then 6 cm, and finally 5 cm.
The tradition dates back to the historic 1613 edition, organised by Ettore Thesorieri — an emblematic figure whose story you can share with your children to help them grasp just how far back this event goes.
For the 2025 edition, mark these key dates in your diary: the Challenge will take place on 13 and 14 June, while the Rivincita (Rematch) will run from 30 May to 14 September.
On the Friday before each joust, the historical parade turns Foligno into an open-air theatre, with its 800 participants in baroque costumes. The opening ceremony "Stimulus Generoso Vertue" is an unmissable traditional ritual that sweeps young and old alike into an authentically medieval atmosphere before the jousting begins.
Beyond the sheer sporting achievement, it's the all-encompassing atmosphere that takes hold of the entire city. Drums thunder, the colourful flags of the rioni billow in the wind, and the aromas of 17th-century recipes drift from the ten traditional taverns (open for exactly 2 weeks before each joust). Children stand wide-eyed as armoured knights gallop around the statue of Mars, god of war, at the heart of the competition.
Good to know: To round off your family's medieval experience, don't miss the Palio di San Rocco on the Piazza San Domenico. This donkey race, in which representatives of the 10 rioni compete against one another, offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere — perfect for younger children who can cheer on their favourite district in a more light-hearted setting than the main joust.
Medieval entertainment truly comes into its own with these workshops held on the Piazza della Repubblica (generally starting at 4pm, as they did during the 1 June 2019 edition). Your budding little knights can try their hand at horse riding while listening to captivating medieval tales.
The experience becomes even more immersive with "Pony... amo la Quintana a cavallo", where children ride real ponies and practise jousting with child-sized lances.
This cultural activity also includes juggling shows and a complimentary snack — a delicious panna cotta! The more energetic children will love the Quintanella di Scafali, a bicycle jousting contest preceded by a parade where children show off their medieval costumes.
The Museo della Quintana 4D represents a revolution in the way children are introduced to medieval history.
This virtual reality experience, described by visitors as "fantastic for adults and children alike", allows you to relive the joust as if you were truly there. Open Tuesday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm, and weekends from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm, admission is free.
The Fiera dei Soprastanti transforms the Orti Orfini park (more precisely the park's caretaker area) into a genuine medieval market, with activities to turn your children into true knights:
These age-old games fascinate younger visitors while giving them a taste of the pastimes of the era.
Finding spacious accommodation for the whole family during the Giostra della Quintana requires planning ahead. Our villa with pool in Foligno comfortably accommodates up to 10 people, with all the equipment babies and toddlers need, including two travel cots. The secure pool, fitted with an electric cover capable of bearing 200 kg, gives parents complete peace of mind.
Villa Allegria's strategic location, just 5 minutes from the historic town centre, means a swift retreat is always possible if the little ones start to tire. Situated halfway between the Abbazia di Sassovivo and the Palazzo Comunale, our family villa offers easy access to both the festivities and the surrounding cultural sites.
Our tip: Just 15 minutes away, the Fonti di Sassovivo also offer ideal family water activities — a perfect way to cool down after a day of celebrations. This proximity to the medieval abbey allows you to enrich your cultural stay while keeping things varied and enjoyable for all.
Online booking for the September Rivincita opens on 23 June 2025 at quintana.it. Don't wait — the best seats go fast.
To give you a sense of the budget, ticket prices are comparable to those of the Giostra d'Ascoli Piceno, ranging from €15 (standing terraces) to €50 (central grandstand), with reductions for children aged 0 to 6.
Keeping children safe in the dense crowds is paramount. Leave the pushchair at home — the medieval cobblestones make it impractical; a baby carrier will give you far greater freedom of movement. The rioni taverns generally welcome picnic baskets, but do check the specific rules of each district. Pack plenty of snacks, even though free distributions are sometimes organised.
To sum it all up, Villa Allegria, a family holiday home in Foligno, will transform your discovery of Italian medieval tradition into an unforgettable stay. With our secure heated pool, premium amenities and prime location just minutes from the historic centre, we offer the perfect base camp from which to explore the Giostra della Quintana with your children. Contact Villa Allegria to book your stay during this one-of-a-kind festival and create medieval memories that will fire the imagination of the whole family!