Palio del Baradello 2025 (Como): schedule, dates & history

What is the Palio del Baradello?

The Palio del Baradello 2025 in Como is the city’s big community festival: it commemorates the arrival of Emperor Frederick I of Swabia (Barbarossa) in 1159. Founded over forty years ago to help even new residents connect with Como’s history, it has become a defining event that brings together locals and visitors. What makes it one-of-a-kind is the setting: among Roman remains, medieval walls, Castello Baradello, and the city towers — Porta Torre, Torre di San Vitale, and Torre Gattoni (Porta Nuova) — plus landmarks such as the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, Piazza Duomo, and the Broletto. The route touches sections of the walls between Porta Torre and Via Diaz, Viale Cattaneo, Largo Gianfranco Miglio, Via Cesare Cantù, Via Paolo Giovio, Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, and Via Vittorio Emanuele II, with Lake Como as a backdrop. Each year the city’s shared memory comes alive with parades, flag-wavers, musicians, medieval camps, and shows.

Essential historical background

From Roman colony to the Middle Ages. In 59 BC, Julius Caesar refounded Como as the Roman colony of Novum Comum, laid out on a regular grid. After the fall of the Empire, the city passed through the rule of Germanic peoples, the Lombards, and the Carolingians, before developing into a self-governing commune under episcopal authority around the year 1000.

Clash with Milan. Between the 11th and 12th centuries, Como and Milan fought a decades-long war that ended in 1127 with Milan’s victory and years of restrictions for Como. To counter that dominance, the city adopted a pro-imperial stance, seeking the backing of the Holy Roman Empire.

Barbarossa and the fortifications. Under Frederick I of Swabia (Barbarossa), Como’s alliance with the Holy Roman Empire was consolidated: in 1158 the rebuilding and enlargement of the city walls resumed, together with the restoration and strengthening of Castello Baradello (the great tower and new works). The urban towers were also raised: Porta Torre, San Vitale and Porta Nuova / Torre Gattoni. This support formed part of the imperial campaigns against Milan, culminating in Milan’s surrender and destruction in 1162.

March 1159: the imperial visit. The arrival of Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) on Lake Como—some sources say with Beatrice of Burgundy—was marked by games, tournaments, banquets and festivities: the very episode the Palio reenacts today.

The modern Palio. The first contemporary reenactment was held on 5 June 1980, promoted by the districts of Breccia, Camerlata, Rebbio and Prestino. Over the years, additional contrade (city quarters) and nearby municipalities joined, turning it into a major city-wide celebration.

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Who was Frederick Barbarossa

Frederick I of Swabia (c. 1122–1190) of the Hohenstaufen dynasty was Duke of Swabia (as Frederick III), elected King of the Romans in 1152 and crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1155. He married Beatrice of Burgundy, adding transalpine domains, and set out to reassert imperial authority in Italy, leading multiple campaigns that brought him into conflict with powerful communes and the papacy. After the famous defeat at Legnano (1176) by the Lombard League, the Peace of Constance (1183) recognized broad communal autonomy while preserving imperial prerogatives. He died during the Third Crusade (1190), drowning in the Saleph River (today the Göksu) in Anatolia. In Italy he was known as “Barbarossa” for his red beard.

For Como, Barbarossa was an ally: in 1158 he supported the rebuilding and enlargement of the city walls and the strengthening of Castello Baradello; in March 1159 he visited the city amid festivities and ceremonies—an episode at the heart of the Palio’s reenactment.

Why the Palio matters to Como

The Palio del Baradello matters to Como because it safeguards identity and memory: it brings the story of Barbarossa, the city walls and Baradello back into everyday life, strengthening locals’ sense of belonging. It is also a place of learning and outreach, where schools, families and associations meet for reenactments, workshops and educational activities. At the same time, it showcases the city’s heritage — from the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio to the medieval walls and towers, from the Duomo and the Broletto to Castello Baradello — and fuels cultural tourism that tells the city’s story beyond Lake Como alone. Above all, it’s a collective, volunteer-driven effort: neighbourhoods, contrade and local organisations pool energy, skills and passion.

How it traditionally works (contests & districts)

Traditionally, the Palio is a chivalric-style contest between city districts (borghi/contrade): each district fields a procession with a Captain, Lady, Herald and costumed participants, plus a team of athletes who compete in multiple trials. Points and rankings accumulate over the weeks of events; the final tally awards the Pallium—the artist-designed banner (drappo) presented in the Duomo before the city. Note: the 2025 edition does not include contests or the banner.

This year, regrettably, the contests will not take place and the banner (drappo) will not be awarded, as the new board aims to give the Palio a refreshed organisational direction, with greater historical accuracy and stronger appeal for tourism. There will still be festive moments with performances and ceremonies, while we look ahead to a 2026 edition with plenty of new developments.

Traditionally, two of the most anticipated events are archery and the Cariolana. The archery trial, held at the foot of Castello Baradello, is a precision event on regulation targets: in some years the Captains also shoot, while each district’s archers add to the score with timed or points-based series (the format varies by that year’s rules). The Cariolana is a time trial in the heart of the old town: one athlete pushes a wooden wheelbarrow with a teammate on board along a city circuit marked by barriers and cones; what counts are the stopwatch and avoiding penalties for touching or knocking over obstacles.

In the historical programme you’ll also find the “Lucie” regatta—the iconic Lake Como boats rowed standing up, a symbol of the lake’s tradition—and contests such as the tug-of-war, alongside theatrical reenactments (for example, Barbarossa’s “landing”). Beyond the contests, flag-wavers and musicians animate squares and courtyards with choreographed performances, an integral part of the Palio’s atmosphere together with historical fencing, dance and family activities.

2025 edition: For organisational reasons, there will be no contests and the Palio banner (drappo) will not be awarded. We know how much the district challenges mean to the people of Como, and we share the disappointment. The official programme still includes performances, ceremonies and medieval reenactments so everyone can experience the spirit of the Palio together.

Palio del Baradello 2025 (Como): schedule & dates — practical guide

Venerdì 29 agosto

• 20:00 — Medieval dinner — Lakeside pier, Brienno. Dinner hosted by the Brienno district, with live entertainment.

Saturday, 30 August — Sant’Abbondio Fair

• 10:00 — Medieval camp set-up — SS. Cosma e Damiano chapel area. Traditional games, talks, archery, historical fencing, weaving, and bobbin lace (tombolo).
• 10:30 — Lecture: life in the Middle Ages — SS. Cosma e Damiano chapel area. Led by Messer Raniero; presentation of the day’s programme.
• 11:00 — Medieval dances — SS. Cosma e Damiano chapel area. With the Dame del Lago dance troupe.
• 18:00 — Votive candle offering — Basilica of Sant’Abbondio.
• 19:00 — Reception of the Emperor/Empress — Medieval camp (fairground area). Welcome ceremony and captains’ oath.
• 20:00–22:00 — Performances by flag-wavers and musicians and historical fencing — Medieval camp.

Sunday, 31 August — Sant’Abbondio Fair

• from 10:00 — Fair with medieval camp — Under the medieval walls (Porta Torre → Via Diaz). Children’s Knight/Lady investiture; artisans and traditional games.

Thursday, 4 September

• 20:30 — Celtic harp concert — Basilica of Sant’Abbondio.

Sunday, 7 September

• from 14:00 — Grand Historic Parade — From Viale Cattaneo (Torre Gattoni) to Piazza Duomo: Viale Cattaneo → Largo G. Miglio → Via C. Cantù → Via P. Giovio → Piazza Medaglie d’Oro → Via V. Emanuele → Piazza Duomo. Final performances in the square.

Friday, 3 October (additional date)

• 17:45 — Book presentation: Il Barbarossa (Prof. Franco Cardini) — Casa Divina Provvidenza, Via T. Grossi 18, Como.

Note: the schedule may change; please check the official channels for updates.

Where to watch the Palio (tips)

• Parade start: Viale Cattaneo (Torre Gattoni) — a great spot to watch the groups form up; arrive early.
• Along the route: Largo G. Miglio, Via C. Cantù, Via P. Giovio, Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, Via Vittorio Emanuele — scenic sections but narrower (expect denser crowds).
• Parade finish: Piazza Duomo — final performances by flag-wavers and musicians; the area gets very crowded — arrive well in advance.
• Fair & camp area: under the medieval walls from Porta Torre to Via Diaz — family-friendly spaces and excellent for photography.
• Basilica of Sant’Abbondio: ceremonies (votive candle) and Celtic harps — superb acoustics and a moving atmosphere, perfect for lovers of early/medieval music.
• Dinner in Brienno (29 Aug): lakeside pier — scenic at sunset.

Practical information

• From La Maison de Geraldine (by train): For visitors coming from out of town, our holiday home is a strategic base for exploring the area; taking the train is the easiest way to avoid limited-traffic zones (ZTL) and parking hassles. For the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, Porta Torre and stretches of the medieval walls, get off at Como Borghi (≈10–15 min on foot). If you’re heading to Piazza Duomo and the lakefront, choose Como Lago (≈10 min on foot). Both stations are served by Ferrovie Nord.
• Parcheggi suggeriti:
  • Parcheggio Centro Lago  – Via Alessandro Sant’Elia 6
  • Autosilo Via Auguadri (Tribunale) – Via Adriano Auguadri 1
  • Parcheggio Valduce, Viale Lecco
  • Parcheggio zona Basilica di Sant’Abbondio – Via Regina Teodolinda
  • Parcheggio della santarella
  • Autosilo Val Mulini – Via dei Mulini
  • In alternativa, lascia l’auto nelle aree di cintura e percorri 10–15 min a piedi verso le zone evento.
• Accessibility: the historic centre has heritage paving (stone/cobbles) and some gradients; wear comfortable shoes. Most areas are suitable and passable for strollers and wheelchairs. Along the walls between Porta Torre and Via Diaz the spaces are broad and mostly level, convenient for families. During the parade the central streets can get crowded: arrive early and pick spots with side exits. For the concert at the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, check in advance for step-free access and any reserved seating/assistance with the organisers or event volunteers.
• Weather: in case of heavy rain, some activities may be postponed or moved; please check the official updates.

Thank you — see you in 2026.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Palio del Baradello Association, the Board of Directors, the districts (borghi) and all the volunteers who, even in a year without contests, kept the spirit of the city festival alive. From the editorial team of this blog, we wish that 2026 marks a major relaunch, with an even richer programme and — why not — the return of the banner (drappo). See you at the next Palio!

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