The village of Montone is preparing to welcome the celebrations of the secentenary of the death of Braccio Fortebraccio, the legendary mercenary captain. On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June, the charm of the Middle Ages will envelop the Umbrian town, with a rich program of events that will pay homage to the life and deeds of this illustrious historical figure.
The fulcrum of the event will be represented by an international conference, which will take place in the suggestive Church of San Francesco. The works will open on Saturday at 9.30 with greetings from the institutional authorities, followed by speeches from a series of medieval experts. The speakers, including notable names such as Matteo Strukul, Italian novelist and screenwriter, and Professor Franco Cardini, historian and essayist specialized in the study of the Middle Ages, will delve into the salient aspects of Braccio Fortebraccio’s life, analyzing his strategic skills, his courage in battle, political intuition and the ability to govern.
The conference will be just one of the numerous events planned over the two days. On Saturday, the ceremony for the awarding of the keys to the city will be held, accompanied by a small historical procession. Furthermore, the suggestive Piazza San Francesco will host a medieval camp, with merchants and fights between knights, animated by over 40 figures who will create an authentically medieval atmosphere. The day will end with a concert of medieval and Renaissance music in the evocative Cloister of San Francesco, performed by the Festinamus Ensemble. Afterwards, the KRONOS company will offer a fireworks and juggling show entitled “Fire Rite”.
The celebrations will also continue on Sunday, with new appointments within the conference, dedicated to exploring the figure of Braccio Fortebraccio and the context of the noble courts of the time. In the afternoon, it will still be possible to relive the medieval atmosphere thanks to the revival of the camp. During the entire weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to admire for the first time the only painting of the time depicting Braccio Fortebraccio, owned by the Lupattelli family, which will be exhibited at the San Francesco museum.
