About Federicus - Altamura Medieval Festival
Federicus – Altamura Medieval Festival
Federicus celebrates the historical link between Altamura and Emperor Frederick II, a central figure in medieval Italian history. From 2 to 4 October 2026, the Apulian town will relive the period when it was an important centre of Frederick’s empire. Frederick II, known as the Sovereign of the Middle Ages, brought about significant administrative and cultural transformations, and Altamura benefited directly from his enlightened rule.
The festival does not merely celebrate the abstract imperial figure, but explores how his rule altered the region’s economic and social structure. Merchants from various lands of the historic empire set up shop in the square, offering goods that Frederick II would have actively promoted: spices from the trade routes, fine fabrics, books and parchments. Medieval trade becomes a living lesson in economic history.
Dramatic re-enactments recreate key moments: the promulgation of the Melfi Constitutions, the court with its dignitaries, and the philosophical debates that characterised Frederick’s patronage. Frederick II is famous for having encouraged scientific and philosophical research well before the Renaissance. Actors perform dialogues based on historical sources, demonstrating how intellectual debate took place in medieval courts.
Local legal experts have overseen the historical research behind the event. Documents from the period were consulted to ensure that the costumes, symbols and even the dialects spoken reflected the reality of the 13th century. The urban decorations follow the iconography of the era, transforming the streets of Altamura into a coherent representation of an imperial city.
Educational workshops allow visitors to learn medieval arts: calligraphy, miniature painting, theoretical falconry, and fortress strategies. These workshops involve experts who take the time to convey not only the movements but also the logic behind medieval practices. A festival that combines entertainment with rigorous historical education.
