Montalcino Castle and the Feast of the Thrush – A treasured Tuscany tradition
It was in 1361 when the construction of the Montalcino Castle begun. Nearly five and a half centuries later most of the original castle is still intact and with its soaring towers, cobbled courtyard and ancient basilica, this ancient building really is a true bastion of Tuscan history.
Although perhaps the best time to visit this truly epic building, surrounded by south Tuscany’s beautifully diverse landscapes, is in late October when the Sagra del Tordo – Feast of the Thrush – is held.
A weekend of merriment whilst experiencing the very heart of Tuscan history and tradition lies ahead for those who head to Montalcino Castle on the last weekend of October. Colour, costumes, parades, music and even archery trials happily fill the castle’s walls and its surroundings on the Saturday. The next day a medieval parade takes place followed by a feast fit for a king. Naturally roast thrush is on the menu, alongside many dishes of delicious local cuisine, washed down by a glass or two of fine Tuscan wine. There are a limited number of tickets available for the feast so booking early is advisable to avoid disappointment. In the afternoon, an annual longbow competition takes place, whereby two archers from each quartiere of the castle compete.
For those who have visited Tuscany they are truly privileged, as it really is a fascinating island, which has been described as being equally blessed by the genius of both man and nature. These sentiments certainly bear truth with Montalcino Castle, as it really is a shining example of the genius of man building such an monumental construction, which has survived the test of time, in the most visually stunning of natural surroundings.
For further information on Montalcino Castle and the infamous Thrush festival visit: www.montalcino.net