In the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese hills, the village of Zavattarello is getting ready for a Ferragosto out of time. On 15 and 16 August 2026, the Dal Verme Castle Park turns into a genuine medieval village, with falconry, knight duels, archery, medieval games, a historical camp, roaming drummers and plenty of activities for the whole family, in an event that has become one of the most eagerly awaited dates on the Pavia summer calendar.

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August programme

The schedule is the same on both days, so visitors are free to choose when to take part. The medieval set-up inside the Castle Park opens at 10.00; the first falconry show goes on at 11.00 and is repeated at 16.30, with birds of prey taking to the air once again. The day's programme closes at 18.00 with the combat show, an armoured duel between four knights that re-enacts the chivalric clashes of the fifteenth century.

Falconers, archery and medieval games all day long

Alongside the scheduled shows, from 10.00 to 19.00 the Castle Park offers activities for all ages: a falconry display, archery, medieval games, a historical camp set up for the occasion, and roaming drummers accompanying visitors from one attraction to the next. Meanwhile, Piazza Dal Verme keeps its medieval set-up throughout the village.

The medieval feast at the foot of the castle

On Saturday evening, at 20.30, the foot of Dal Verme Castle hosts the atmospheric medieval feast, the convivial event that closes the festival's first day. Booking is required, by calling 324 861 0242 or 366 354 7184.

Food trucks

A food truck area is open on both Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, available to visitors throughout the event.

Tickets and practical information

Admission to Medieval Days in Zavattarello 2026 costs €10; children up to 10 years old get in free. The event takes place in the Dal Verme Castle Park, in Zavattarello, in the province of Pavia, Italy. For information, call +39 339 478 5535 or +39 338 675 1406.

Zavattarello, one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages

Zavattarello sits among the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese and is listed among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages (Borghi più Belli d'Italia). The village grew up around Dal Verme Castle, the ancient stronghold of the family it takes its name from, a defensive complex that withstood numerous sieges over the centuries. The cobbled streets of the historic centre, which turn into a medieval village for the festival, are also home to the Giuseppe and Titina Dal Verme Museum of Contemporary Art and the Magazzino dei Ricordi, a museum dedicated to the village's history. Milan is about 90 km away, roughly an hour and a half by car; Zavattarello is also easily reached from Pavia, Voghera and Varzi, making it an ideal stop for anyone exploring the Oltrepò Pavese, not least for its food and wine tradition.

Frequently asked questions about Medieval Days in Zavattarello 2026

When do Medieval Days in Zavattarello 2026 take place?

The event runs on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, in the Dal Verme Castle Park in Zavattarello, in the province of Pavia, Italy.

How much does the ticket cost?

Tickets cost €10; admission is free for children up to 10 years old.

What is there to do during the day?

From 10.00 to 19.00, visitors can enjoy a falconry display, archery, medieval games, a historical camp and roaming drummers; falconry shows are scheduled at 11.00 and 16.30, while the combat show between four knights takes place at 18.00.

Do I need to book the medieval feast?

Yes. The medieval feast takes place on Saturday 15 August at 20.30 at the foot of the castle and requires a booking, made by calling 324 861 0242 or 366 354 7184.

How far is Zavattarello from Milan, and how do I get there?

Zavattarello is about 90 km from Milan, around an hour and a half by car, and is also reachable by road from Pavia, Voghera and Varzi. For information about the event, call +39 339 478 5535 or +39 338 675 1406.

Two days of history, entertainment and fun in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese: Medieval Days in Zavattarello await you on 15 and 16 August 2026, in the Dal Verme Castle Park.