Altro · August 27, 2026 – August 30, 2026 · Spello (PG)
Hispellum is the irresistible charm of Spello in its Roman age: it's the beauty of a journey back in time through the vestiges of the Colonia Iulia from the golden age of Augustus and then Constantine. It's the overwhelming magic of a historical re-enactment – among the rare ones dedicated to the classical world – that the city entrusts to the jewels of its Roman heritage, from the amphitheater to the Roman aqueduct, from the Augustan city walls to the Villa dei Mosaici, from the Forum to the temple of Villa Fidelia. HISPELLVM, first an Umbrian center, then a Roman municipality and a flourishing colony in the Augustan era, reached its peak during the time of Constantine the Great (306-337 AD), who bestowed upon it the title of Flavia Constans. This is attested by the famous Rescript of the emperor, which granted the city, home to the Federal Sanctuary of the Umbrians, the right to celebrate rites, gladiatorial shows, and ludi scaenici in honor of the Gens Flavia. The re-enactment program, with numerous events for adults and children – the experience at the Roman children's school is not to be missed – opens with the proclamation of Constantine's Rescript and the ceremony of the Concilium Provinciae, a political-religious meeting of the cities of Umbria held annually in Spello. During this event, under the guidance of a magistrate-priest, common requests to be presented to the emperor were formulated, and rites, games, and shows were celebrated in his honor. Thus, an open-air theater, for one week in late August, Spello changes era and face: history makes its way into the daily life of the civitas, among merchants, knights, senators, matrons, legionaries, gladiators, and jugglers. Under the starlit sky, processions and lavish parades unfold, while amidst evocative fire rituals, music, dances, legionary drills, and gladiatorial combats, anticipation builds for the Disfida delle Bighe, when representatives from the municipalities of Matelica, Scheggia Pascelupo, Sassoferrato, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, and Spello compete for victory in a horse-drawn chariot race, just like in Constantine's time. Don't miss the insights from historians, archaeologists, and Late Antiquity re-enactment professionals who will immerse visitors in the history of the civitas of HISPELLVM during the time of Constantine the Great. For a historical-gourmet break, Tabernae, Popinae, and Thermopolia will offer, throughout the event, dishes from the Roman table in an exclusive and evocative atmosphere.
Step back in time and savor the flavors of ancient Rome! Throughout the Hispellum event, you can indulge in authentic Roman cuisine at the specially recreated Tabernae, Popinae, and Thermopolia. These unique eateries offer a historical-gourmet experience, serving up traditional dishes from the Roman table in an exclusive and evocative atmosphere, allowing you to taste history itself.
The Hispellum re-enactment features a packed program of events for all ages. It kicks off with the solemn proclamation of Constantine's Rescript and the Concilium Provinciae ceremony, a significant political-religious gathering of Umbrian cities. Throughout the week, Spello transforms into a living Roman civitas, with daily life scenes featuring merchants, knights, senators, matrons, legionaries, gladiators, and jugglers. Evenings are filled with torchlit processions, lavish parades, fire rituals, music, and dances. Witness thrilling legionary drills and gladiatorial combats, all leading up to the highly anticipated Disfida delle Bighe – a spectacular horse-drawn chariot race where representatives from Matelica, Scheggia Pascelupo, Sassoferrato, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, and Spello vie for victory. Don't miss the engaging talks by historians, archaeologists, and Late Antiquity experts who will deepen your understanding of HISPELLVM during Constantine the Great's reign. For younger visitors, the 'Roman children's school' offers an unmissable hands-on experience.