Montegallo Castle at the Quintana of Ascoli
The Montegallo castle at the Quintana di Ascoli is the delegation with which this mountain municipality of the Sibillini marches in the historical parade of the Giostra (joust), the chivalric reenactment of Ascoli Piceno. Its official debut came in the parade on Sunday, August 7, 2022. Montegallo was the last of the then fourteen Castelli (castles) to join the parade but, according to the archives, the oldest. Its relationship with the city goes back to the 13th century.
Montegallo castle at the Quintana of Ascoli: what to know
The Giostra della Quintana is a historical reenactment of medieval origin featuring an equestrian joust, held in Ascoli Piceno. The parade includes the city's six Sestieri (districts), the Gruppo Comunale and the delegations of the Castelli, the towns once subject to Ascoli. The Castelli follow the musicians and men-at-arms of the Gruppo Comunale and are represented by their serving authorities. Montegallo is among them, alongside Arquata del Tronto, Montemonaco, Acquasanta Terme and others.
The historical bond, as reconstructed from the civic statutes of Ascoli, is a long one. In 1250 the statutes mention the castle of Monte Santa Maria in Lapide, today's Montegallo, which was granted honorary citizenship of Ascoli. In 1352 the people of Montegallo helped drive the tyrant Galeotto Malatesta out of the city. Montegallo appears again in the statutes of 1377. In 1482 the castle was pardoned after three years in which it had failed to deliver the Palio to Ascoli.
This last episode is reflected in the Offerta dei Ceri (Offering of the Candles), the ceremony that opens the Quintana and in which Montegallo takes part along with the other Castelli. Today the candles are offered by the Sestieri and Castelli in a solemn ceremony: the bishop of Ascoli reads a passage from Saint Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, blesses the knights and asks for protection for the horses.
The castle is represented by the mayor, in the role of castellano (castellan), and by a castellana chosen from the community. In 2022 the castellano was the mayor, Sante Capanna, and the first lady was Chiara Mercatanti. For the parade of August 2, 2026 the castellana was Alessia Lappa, with Capanna again as castellano. The Comune explained that it had chosen her partly because, amid the difficulties of the post-earthquake period, she represents the community's confidence in the future. It was her first time taking part.
For other episodes from the area, see the section on Sibillini Mountains history.
Montegallo castle at the Quintana of Ascoli: Quintana dates
The Quintana takes place twice a year. The July joust is dedicated to the Madonna della Pace, the August one to Sant'Emidio, the city's patron saint. The joust falls on the second Saturday of July and the first Sunday of August. In 2026 the dates were Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, August 2. Dates of future editions should be checked on the event's official calendar.
The delegations of the Castelli, Montegallo included, march in the historical parade. The parade starts from Piazza Ventidio Basso, while the joust takes place at the Campo dei Giochi. The route passes through Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Arringo and Corso Mazzini.
The Offerta dei Ceri, where the Castelli present their candles, is held on the eve. In the August 2026 edition it took place on Saturday, August 1 in Piazza del Popolo, together with the draw for the joust. Those who want a closer look at Montegallo can therefore plan for this event too.
Outside July and August there is no parade with the Castelli. The Campo dei Giochi does host other Quintana-related events, such as a historical competition for riders, with free admission, on Sunday, March 8, 2026. On that occasion, however, the delegations do not march.
Montegallo castle at the Quintana of Ascoli: practical tips
No ticket is needed to watch the parade. The historical parade and the Offerta dei Ceri can be watched freely in the squares and streets of the center. A ticket is needed for the joust, however: to watch the competition from the stands of the Campo dei Giochi you have to buy one. It is best to choose a spot along the route in advance and to consult the official program, which may change every year.
Combining the Quintana with a visit to Montegallo calls for some caution. The municipality lies at the foot of Monte Vettore, in the Sibillini National Park in the Sibillini Mountains. The area was hit hard by the 2016 earthquake. Many historic buildings in the Park's municipalities were damaged, and red zones with no entry were set up in several villages: before visiting, find out which areas are accessible. The Park publishes a map showing restrictions on villages, roads and trails. Older descriptions of the places refer to the period before the earthquake.
The Montegallo castle should therefore not be thought of as a monument to visit. It is a historical and civic entity that today is encountered mainly in Ascoli, on the days of the Giostra.