Cittadella «Fiera Franca» (Free Fair)
In October, a fair that is more than 400 years old, in a picturesque walled town that is more than 800 years old
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What is the Fiera Franca of Cittadella
The Fiera Franca of Cittadella, one of the most eagerly awaited events in the walled town, has been held for more than 400 years on the fourth weekend of October and the following Monday. Stalls selling local products and handicrafts, along with a wide selection of street food, fill the entire historic centre and extend into the streets surrounding the walls. During the three days of the fair, Cittadella welcomes thousands of visitors from across the province. It is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the life of Cittadella and its inhabitants.
Why it is special: traders and breeders, stalls and flavours
Originally, it was an important livestock fair, and even today an area is dedicated to the exhibition and market of farm animals and agricultural machinery; alongside hundreds of colourful market stalls, there is also a large amusement park. Finally, on Monday evening, a spectacular fireworks display over the ancient medieval walls brings the event to a close. Don’t miss the night opening of the patrol walkway: an unforgettable view.
A bit of history: ancient origins
The Fiera Franca already existed in the Middle Ages, but it was held in the nearby village of Onara. In 1231, Padua decided to transfer the privileges of the Onara market to Cittadella: «...the annual market [...] shall be held / in the Castle of Cittadella every year / on the feast of St. Luke». Over the centuries, the fair became increasingly popular, so much so that in 1593 it became necessary to regulate it and assign, through a specific proclamation, the various areas of the historic centre to the sale of different animals and agricultural products. Today, this distribution has been changed, moving the agricultural and livestock section outside the walls.
Curiosity: what “Fiera Franca” means
Why was this market so important? The answer lies in its name, Fiera Franca, meaning free from customs duties for merchants entering and leaving with their goods. This is why anyone wishing to maximise their trading profits could not afford to miss this event. When Cittadella came under the rule of Venice, the privileges of the Fiera Franca were preserved.
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