Events
The festival formats
The festival formats
| Activity | Type | Usual venue | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animated visits “In the footsteps of Frederick II” | Re-enactment | Swabian Castle | Booking required |
| Village of Crafts and Flavours: tastings, ancient crafts, music | Entertainment | Casa del Turista | Free access |
| Talks with historians and scholars | Education | Palazzina Belvedere, city theatres | Free or by invitation |
| Historical treasure hunt in the old town | Urban game | Old town | Registration on PastPuglia.it |
| Video mapping and theatrical storytelling | Show | Casa del Turista | Free access |
| Medieval playroom, puppets, storytellers, craft workshops | Families | Family areas | Free; some workshops require registration |
Labels distinguish historical re-enactment (documented reconstruction), shows (storytelling freely inspired by the sources), education (content checked with historians) and entertainment.
The festival venues
The Medieval Fest takes place in the authentic places of medieval Brindisi - harbour, old town and seafront - all within walking distance of each other.
Swabian Castle
The fortress built under Frederick II overlooks the inner harbour. It is a naval base and normally closed to the public: during the festival it hosts the animated visits “In the footsteps of Frederick II”, thanks to the collaboration of the Italian Navy.
- Access: booked visits only, on festival days.
- Booking: on PastPuglia.it.
- Open in Google Maps
Casa del Turista
A medieval building at Lungomare Regina Margherita 44, born as a Domus peregrinorum welcoming pilgrims and knights bound for the Holy Land. During the festival it hosts the Village of Crafts and Flavours and the immersive itineraries of the History Digital Library. Free access during festival hours. Open in Google Maps
Brindisi Cathedral
In the city cathedral, on 9 November 1225, Frederick II married Isabella of Brienne, Queen of Jerusalem. The square and surrounding quarter are the heart of the re-enactment route. As a place of worship, opening follows the cathedral’s own hours. Open in Google Maps
Former Scuole Pie convent
The former Scuole Pie convent is one of the venues of the Village of Crafts and Flavours and of family activities. Open in Google Maps
Plan your visit
The festival takes place between the old town and the seafront of Brindisi: venues are close together and easy to reach on foot.
Getting there
By train
Brindisi station is on the main Adriatic line. The old town and seafront are a walk away along Corso Umberto I and Corso Garibaldi.
By plane
Brindisi-Casale airport is a few kilometres from the centre, connected by city buses and taxis.
By car
Brindisi is reached via the SS16 and SS7 roads. Parking advice for festival days will be published with the 2026 programme.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
Many activities are free. Some, such as the animated castle visits and the treasure hunt, require booking. Costs are listed in each edition’s programme.
How do I book?
Bookings are made online on PastPuglia.it within the deadlines indicated for each activity.
What happens if it rains?
Indoor activities run as scheduled. Changes to outdoor events are announced on the official channels (this website and Facebook).
Is the festival suitable for children?
Yes: a dedicated area offers a medieval playroom, shows and workshops. Each activity in the programme lists a recommended age range.
Are there services for visitors with disabilities?
Verified information on access to each venue is collected on the Accessibility page. For specific needs, write to info@hdlibrary.it.