Italiano
Siege of the Villa
In mid-September, the Renaissance festival of the "Siege of the Villa" takes place. This is a festival with very recent origins, even though it refers back to a Renaissance-era event: it is said that, during the stay in Poggio of Princess Joanna of Austria, wine was made to flow from the fountain known as "Il Mascherone" (the Mask). This supposed tradition was revived in this century to celebrate special occasions, such as the first anniversary of the Victory (1919), the founding of the Empire (1936) and the end of the Second World War (1945), and it lies at the basis of today's festival, whose first edition dates back to 1984. Along the streets of the historic centre, costumed craftsmen set up "workshops" to demonstrate their trades, alongside an antiques market and food stalls decorated in Renaissance style, the "Osterie" (taverns). Over the days of the event, with the participation of the residents of Poggio a Caiano, historical re-enactments follow one another — the procession, flag-wavers and falconry, right up to the closing fireworks. It all culminates, in the garden of the Medici Villa, with the Renaissance Dinner, recalling the sumptuous celebrations held in 1565 for the wedding of Francesco I de' Medici and Joanna of Austria: performers from the Gruppo Storico Poggese play the bride, groom and Medici court, amid music, dance and dishes inspired by Renaissance and Tuscan tradition.
The 2026 edition
18, 19 and 20 September 2026 — 41st edition, in the historic centre of Poggio a Caiano and in the garden of the Medici Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Friday 18: from 7:00 pm
- Saturday 19 and Sunday 20: from 5:00 pm
- Admission: €5 per day · €10 three-day pass
Full programme, updates and advance tickets on the official Assedio alla Villa website.
The programme
Friday 18
- Falconry
- Historical procession
- Opening of the Mascherone fountain
- Renaissance music and dance
Saturday 19
- Falconry
- Renaissance dances
- Mercenaries and flag-wavers
- Historical procession
Sunday 20
- Flag-wavers
- Falconry
- Prize-giving
- Closing fireworks
What to see
The Renaissance historical procession, flag-wavers from the town's districts and guest towns, falconry displays, the Mascherone fountain flowing once more with wine, period music and dance, activities for children (carousel, games, archery), food-and-wine stalls serving Tuscan tradition, and guided visits to the Medici Villa.
Where it takes place
The festival takes over the historic centre of Poggio a Caiano and the garden of the Medici Villa, at Via Giuliano da Sangallo 3. Directions on how to get here.
Photos from past editions
Updates also on the Assedio alla Villa Facebook page.
2026 poster
