At the foot of the mysterious Sibillini Mountains there is a city called San Severino Marche, whose history began between the 6th and 9th centuries AD with the resettlement of the inhabitants of the ancient town of Septempeda, which existed in the 3rd century BC and was then captured by the Romans, to Mount Nera (Monte Nera, Italian for Black). Since then, the city has grown and now it is home to about 13 thousand residents who incredibly honor their roots and try their best to preserve the traditions, memory and history of these places. One of the testimonies to the above can be the traditional Palio dei Castelli festival, held annually in June (since 1972) and timed to coincide with June 8, the day of the city's patron saint, Saint Bishop Severino of Septimpeda, by whose order the new city was founded.
What is this festival? Palio dei Castelli is a time of remembrance for locals, and for tourists it is a real opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 15th century, a costumed reconstruction of medieval life in San Severino, usually lasting ten to fourteen days in a row. During this period, the city is filled with characters in period costumes, almost daily there are solemn processions, archery competitions, races in plywood towers in the central square, performances of minstrels, drummers and trumpeters. All this is accompanied by a festive mood, gatherings in a tavern and is held in two stages: the first - in the central square of the city, and the second, final - in the castle on Mount Nera, standing since the time of Septempeda.
Today we have a unique chance to travel back to June 22, 2014 and see the final part of the Palio dei Castelli with our own eyes. Ready? Let's go!
In the castle on the Black Mountain, which used to be a city, you can now see in excellent condition large parts of the medieval wall, two gates (one of which you can see in the picture below), and two towers, which are the symbol of the city. One of the towers is 40 m high and is called Torre degli Smeducci (in honor of the noble family that ruled here) and is now decorated with flags, and the second is the spire of the Old Duomo, built in 944, restored in 1061 and enlarged at the end of the 12th century. Inside the Duomo are kept the remains of the patron saint of the city, and to the left of it in the 15th century a monastery with high vaulted ceilings was added, we will see it at the end of the story.
So, we are inside. Here, on a small square in front of the observation deck, energetic musicians are already playing rhythmic melodies, actively dancing. It is difficult to resist and not to start dancing, and the pleasure from listening to live music of this format is simply immeasurable!
And next to her, a girl juggles chains to music and does her job exceptionally masterfully. It is rather her, rather than the musicians, that the audience applauds.
The Virgin Mary, along with Saint Severino, protects the city. And in the picture on the right is that very 40-meter tower and this is not an optical illusion, it really is leaning and decently!
Throughout the fortress, tables with various handicraft treasures are placed around the perimeter, from real helmets and swords, flags, shields and other knightly paraphernalia to homemade soap, leather-bound albums, wooden crafts, hand-sewn shoes and knitted items. It is incredibly interesting, moving from one table to another, to watch how people make all these things right there. The desire to buy some trinket becomes unbearable and your hand automatically reaches for your wallet.
And here a real palmist reads your hand and deciphers body lines! Would you like to know the future and understand the past?
In this corner, everyone from adults to children is taught to shoot a real bow. An impressive queue remains behind the scenes.
And here a boy is chiselling a picture, not on wood, but on stone. Hellish work! Next to him is his work with the Madonna - impressive, because the master is still very young, and already such a craftsman. The brave and smiling soldiers themselves ask to be in the frame. And how can you not take a picture of such handsome men?!
We return to the panoramic platform, cast a glance down and... here it is - San Severino Marche, located at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by high hills and seeming so small and unprotected in the rays of the setting sun. A fabulous view, don't you agree?
Source: travel.ru