Historical reenactment Ponti sul Mincio 28th-29th September 2024

GUIDED TOURS OF FORT ARDIETTI WITH REENACTORS

Two unique event days: on September 28th and 29th, Fort Ardietti will be open for guided tours with reenactors in uniform. This year, the Historical Reenactment of Ponti sul Mincio returns to Fort Ardietti. It’s a spectacular defensive architectural complex located on the borders between the territories of Ponti sul Mincio (MN) and Peschiera del Garda (VR).

Two days to relive the history of the Italian Risorgimento with reenactors! The Historical Reenactment of Ponti sul Mincio awaits you.

Ponti sul Mincio

The municipality of Ponti sul Mincio is located not far from Lake Garda, on the Morainic Hills. It is also accessible by bike via the beautiful pedestrian and cycle path along the Mincio River.

Since last year, Ponti sul Mincio has been awarded the Orange Flag, and its Scaligero Castle, in particular, is worth a visit during your stay at Lake Garda.

From the charming agriturismi scattered across the fields to the small houses in front of the ancient Scaligero Castle, Ponti sul Mincio exudes warmth and tradition. This is why the municipality has been awarded the prestigious recognition by the Touring Club Italiano.

Before diving into the details of the event, let’s explore the history of this must-visit place near Lake Garda.

Fort Ardietti

The fort is a small hidden gem off the typical paths around Lake Garda. It was built between 1856 and 1861, following the siege of Peschiera during the First War of Italian Independence.

Fort Ardietti is one of the 14 forts constructed to protect the area, particularly Peschiera. Why all this protection? 

In 1848, when the Savoy advance managed to capture the fortified stronghold, it became clear that Verona was at risk of falling next. To prevent this, the Austrian Empire, having recaptured Peschiera, created a new and stronger defensive system: the Austrian Quadrilateral, which included Peschiera, Verona, Mantova, and Legnago. This defensive system, designed by Marshal Radetzky, utilized the defensive potential of the river lines of the Mincio and the Adige, as well as the fortresses of Verona, Legnago, Mantova, and Peschiera.

At the same time, Peschiera was surrounded by 14 forts scattered across the surrounding Morainic Hills. Among these, Fort Ardietti is one of the best preserved, having remained almost unchanged over time except for modifications made for subsequent uses. Even the least interested visitor cannot fail to be impressed by this unique place, which stands out so much that it cannot go unnoticed.

The construction of Fort Ardietti can be divided into two phases. During the first phase, from 1853 to 1859, works involved the excavation of the moat and the construction of the Carnot wall and the caponnières. The second phase, from 1859 to 1861, saw the building of the central reduit. This made it one of the best-equipped forts in the Quadrilateral.

Now that we’ve explored the history of this must-visit site near Lake Garda, let’s get to the main news. Let’s look at all the details of this eagerly awaited event!

The program

Lunch and Dinner at the Historical Osteria of Fort Ardietti

Throughout the event, the kitchen of the Historical Osteria will remain open: you can choose from a variety of traditional dishes. All this will take place in an 19th-century setting, alongside reenactors in uniform!

The menu features a variety of options: tortellini with melted butter, tagliolini with liver, a sandwich with salamella sausage, and cotechino with beans. You’ll also find the typical fogasin dessert and beverages.

The Osteria will be open for dinner on Saturday, September 28th, and for lunch on Sunday, September 29th. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tradition of one of the most historically rich places to visit around Lake Garda.

If you are a large group and would like to experience this culinary event at the Fort, it is necessary to book in advance. This will ensure you receive prompt and efficient service. You can email info@gardalanding.it or contact the Tourism Peschiera Infopoint.

Guided tours with reenactors in uniform

The period of Italian Unification is marked by numerous liberation battles. The Italian Wars of Independence, key episodes of the Risorgimento, involved the Gardesano territories between 1848 and 1866.

Immerse yourself in a typical day of the era, with battalions marching in the tight formation typical of early 19th-century armies. Witness their training and guard posts up close. You’ll get to see the daily life of soldiers firsthand, and even step into the charming Historical Osteria.

Visiting the fort in this setting allows you to see and experience firsthand what life was like within its walls.

A formative moment to remember heroes who are close, yet often seem too distant. The uniforms, the explosions, and the smell of gunpowder… During the visit, you’ll breathe in the solemn atmosphere of the days when men fought for universal ideals of freedom and independence. Never has the past seemed so close to you.

2024 News: Evening Opening of the Fort and Nighttime Guided Tours

How to participate in the INDIPENDENZA event on September 28th and 29th, 2024? 

• To access the Fort, you need to purchase an entry ticket, which includes a guided tour lasting about an hour. Tickets are available for €8 for adults and €4 for children between 5 and 10 years old, as well as for residents of Ponti sul Mincio. Children under 5 years old can enter for free. Tickets can be purchased online here on the website or at the Tourism Peschiera Infopoint.
• The Fort will be open with the following hours: Saturday September 28th from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday September 29th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

• Throughout the day, the reenactors will march and clash within the fort.
• The tours are by reservation, and you can choose the time slot that suits you best.

Departure times for guided tours:

• Saturday, September 28th:
  • 5:00 PM
  • 6:00 PM
  • 9:00 PM
  • 10:00 PM
• Sunday, September 29th:
  • 10:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM

All that’s left is to visit the office to purchase your ticket and mark the date in your calendar for your appointment with history.

September 28th – 29th, 2024, Historical Reenactment of Ponti sul Mincio.