Giornata medioevale

The castle of Caneva can be reached by public coach services provided in the nearby towns of Pordenone or Sacile.

During the festival there is a sumptuous banquet at midday and one in the evening where you have the rare opportunity to taste foods inspired by secret medieval recipes. However, if experiencing dishes from the far past sounds a bit too adventurous, there are two quality restaurants nearby guaranteed to satisfy: La Taverna and Gaiardin. In addition, on the morning of the festival an important wine-related event will take place on the castle grounds, where some of the finest wines in Italy can be savoured.

The festival, usually held on the third Sunday of July, was inspired by the legend of the extraordinarily beautiful Teresina. Otto, the Emperor’s son, was so fascinated by Teresina that he insisted she become his bride and live with him in Bavaria. But the Caneva community was reluctant to part with her, and asserted that Otto could have Teresina on the condition he gave them something ever-lasting to remember her by. So Otto appeased the town by giving them a precious bell. The day before their departure a grand celebration was given in their honour. Today this celebration, which took place in 1339, is re-created with all its charm and merry-making.

The festival is carefully organized to re-create every detail of that day: the opening of the Medieval town shops, the arrival of the proud Otto, the unrestrainable attraction between Otto and Teresina, the opening of the canipa (traditional storeroom of communal food supplies), the sumptuous banquets, the Medieval night-time celebrations and finally the departure of the enamoured couple. The festival is an unforgettable re-enactment of overwhelming passions and Medieval feasting set in the charming town of Caneva.