Things to do and see in Piedmont (Piemonte), Italy
See the Siege of Canelli - historical re-enactment and festival
If you are lucky enough to visit Piedmont in the month of June, and that visit falls on the third weekend of June then this event is a must see. Every year the town and it's inhabitants are joined by enthusiasts from around the world to re-enact a historical siege of Canelli. The event celebrates the siege in 1633 when the people of Canelli and a small regiment of soldiers of Savoy defended the town against the army of Monferrato led by the duke of Mantua.
Some 3,000 people converge here dressed in costumes of the age and the whole town become part of the 17th century once again. Visitors can witness key events from the siege, watch duels with cold steel, battles with ancient cannons and cavalry charges. You can also experience the food and wine typical of a town under siege, and afterwards a town in celebration (especially when they were exempted from paying taxes for the next 30 years)
see pictures of the siege in our album Festivals and events in Piedmont