This is the 17th-century event with the highest number of participants in Southern Europe, both in terms of local community involvement and the number of reenactors present—over 1,200 from dozens of historical groups representing more than 15 European countries gathering in the star-shaped city. A weekend to travel back 400 years in time to Palmanova in Anno Domini 1615: garrison life, militia training, cloak-and-sword duels, traditions and crafts, period cuisine, tailoring, music, and dances.
On Saturday and Sunday, two major open-field battles take place. On the plain outside Porta Cividale, visitors can experience—amid cannon and musket fire, pikes, and swords—the outbreak of the Uskok War (1615–1617) fought between the Republic of Venice and the House of Austria. On the same days, the Garzoni Bastion hosts a reconstructed encampment area for militias and townsfolk, offering an immersive look into civilian and military life and artisan crafts across more than 300 meticulously set up tents. Piazza Grande hosts grand military parades, the raising of the Banner featuring the Lion of Venice, the procession of generals and troops, a holy mass in historical attire, period games, flag-wavers, and drummers.
On Sunday evening, the lowering of the Serenissima Banner by torchlight and a fireworks display conclude the event. From Friday evening through Sunday evening on Piazza Grande, visitors can immerse themselves in period customs through tastings, in-depth talks, celebrations, parades, and historical fencing demonstrations accompanied by musicians and flag-wavers.