The Feast of Barbarossa takes its name precisely from the famous Duke Frederick I Hohenstaufen known as Barbarossa, who made his advent in San Quirico d’Orcia around the year 1000 and completely turned the life of this town upside down, investing it with high roles.

By far the most important festival of the year for the people of San Quirico, it is one of the most evocative reenactments in the area characterized by a theatrical reconstruction set in the most significant corners of the historic center, the Collegiate churchyard, squares and main streets. During these days, the historic center is divided into the four Quarters originated by the logic of medieval toponymy: the Borgo, black and white; the Canneti, white and blue; the Castello, white and red; and the Prato, white and green, which compete in spectacular challenges between archers and bishops for the conquest of the Emperor’s Pitchers.

A feast within a feast: with the taverns of the wards where flags fly and medieval sounds and atmospheres echo, the street performances of long ago.