The Joust of the Rock

Every year in September, the fortified town of Monselice dresses up to celebrate an engaging historical event and watch the exciting "Joust of the Fortress." The event commemorates the visit of Frederick II in 1239, who gave the order to fortify Monselice, giving it the spectacular perched appearance that can still be admired today. It all begins with a historical procession composed of more than two thousand figures in period dress, and then the celebration continues amid reenactments of medieval markets and ancient crafts. Other exciting moments are the living chess games, the great tenzone with the spectacular performance of the drumming groups, and the Quintana, the horse race of skill in which representatives of the nine contrade clash.