From 23 to 27 September 2026, Gubbio hosts the 12th edition of the Festival of the Middle Ages, entitled The Time of Francis and dedicated to Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death. The 2026 edition explores the early thirteenth century and the decades that followed, linking the medieval past with issues that still resonate today.

The subtitle Homo homini lupus, an expression by Plautus later taken up by Thomas Hobbes, introduces a reflection on conflict, coexistence and fear of the other. Within this framework, the life and message of Francis offer a perspective on poverty, dialogue and responsibility. Central to the narrative is also the connection with Gubbio, traditionally associated with the encounter between Francis and the wolf, a symbolic story of transforming violence into dialogue.

The festival features public history lectures focusing on the Middle Ages, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the discovery of America, with contributions from Italian and European scholars and communicators. The programme is complemented by exhibitions, historical re-enactments, performances and cultural activities devoted to books, illumination, calligraphy and contemporary interpretations of the medieval world.

For further information:

Festival del Medioevo