Siege of Canelli – year 1613

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June 2014,
As each third weekend in June, in the historic centre of Canelli, one of the most realistic and immersive reconstructions of a battle which saw the entire country opposed to defend your identity.

The old town will come to life, from the late Saturday afternoon, When the central door is closed, with ancient crafts, stalls, musici, Games, reconstructions of split of seventeenth-century life, itinerant theatre. Over two thousand figurants in costume will create the representation on which dominate the facts d'arme: the troops of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, led by Colonel Camillo Taffini D'acceglio will compete in skirmishes with the enemies of Duke of Nevèrs that will culminate in a night battle in the meadows below the Castello Gancia. The attempted, spectacular, will the Castle fire “night of beleaguered "while in"Hosterie” e “Taverne"it will reflect traditional 17th-century dishes monferrina. Sunday 19 June, After a morning spent looking for the understanding, the troops of the Duke of Savoy, and Mantua will compete in Battle of victory " Meadows overlooking the Castle Gancia with the spectacular play of Carra, great shot over a cart used to measure and deliver the wine. The "Victory lunch”, the games and the Festival will close the event.

On the streets you will encounter farmers, soldiers and bandits, the noise of the artillery becomes increasingly deafening and the smell of gunpowder fills the lanes.

The entrance to the old town and to the various street demonstrations is free. Entering the fortified city, in order to avoid ending up at the pillory or suffer the worst penalties, It is recommended that you obtain the proper laissez-passer (Tiletto) military authorities released. In these two days you can visit the historical cellars but it is advisable to book, especially for big groups.

In the 1612 Francesco Gonzaga dies, Duke of Mantua who had rights to the Monferrato; at his death he opened countless succession disputes. Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy (the grandfather of the only daughter of the late Duke), for secular interests that defend the House of Savoy had on the Monferrato, decided to resolve disputes with weapons. Began the “war for the succession to the Duchy of Montferrat”. In the 1613 the army of Charles Gonzaga, Duke of Nevers, attacked Cain, located on the border between Savoy and Montferrat. Gonzaga's troops were unable to break through the garrison to defend the walls thanks to the decisive support of the population and were forced to retire. The Duke of Savoy, for Thanksgiving and to reward the men and women of Canelli behaviour, exempted them for thirty years, with a special Decree, from paying taxes.

SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2014

Sunrise at 15,00
Throughout the morning we prepare for fittings, the task is such that many visitors are already present to assist amazed at the "miracle" of camouflage and transformation of Canelli in seventeenth-century city ".
By the early afternoon
Beyond the Belbo, he heard the first rumors of wars of the enemy approaching.

The besieged city
From 15,30
The soldiers of the regiment's White Cross train waiting for the enemy to Piazza Aosta. The masters of arms instruct the soldiers of the regiment white cross and troops for the upcoming battle.
Peasants and commoners are fleeing from the countryside and head into the city via the main gate, the soldiers inspect the wagons, looking for any warning lights; preceded by cannon diamonds are approaching enemy troops are pressuring the last fugitives. The enemies are approaching, Savoy troops are driven by external camp ’ and is able to hide in the town circle. Enemies seize of camp ’ and install.
From 17,30
To the roll of drums arrives to inspect the city gates il Comandante della Piazza di Canelli escorted by his Posse. At the gates, After shelling and gunfire, It starts to treat. Enemies give formal surrender, i indignantly reject Canelli. He announces to the people the ’ beginning of ’ siege.

The long night of beleaguered ’
From 20,00
"Dinner of the besieged" in Inns and taverns.
From 22,00
The enemy penetrates fortifications, Gancia meadows, at Villanuova, clash of the Savoy troops and Gonzaga, along the Sternia and around the historic center you unleash sudden skirmishes between enemies, brigands and the militias of Colonel Portal.
The city gates: performances by musicians, acrobats and games d'arme.
From 23,30
Burn the enemies Castle. The captain of the guard asks for help to the population, the spectacular fire is tamed by the men and women of Canelli.
The bandits storm the night owls and the patrons of restaurants still open. All night vigils and patrols in military camps.

Throughout the two days "with fire and sword" along the streets of the ancient village, musici, companies of actors, commedia dell'arte, dozens of stalls and antique tradesmen will recreate the seventeenth-century atmosphere.

SUNDAY 22 JUNE 2014

The siege comes alive
From 9,30
The ’ escalates military activity at the gates of the city, WWII enemies at the gate of the Villa, the Ducal procession, preceded by the roll of the drums through the city, the Duke inspects the troops.
Growing confusion, the enemy tries a new assault on the Castle and, tackled not, stands in the meadows Gancia, at Villanuova, waiting to take the city.
From 10,00
The troops of Colonel climb the Sternia Portal, the intimate enemy surrender, This is, Canelli troops decide to resist, skirmishes between soldiers loyal to Duke Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy, and the troops of the Duke of Nevèrs.
The various military companies parade through the city to reach sides meadows Gancia.

The final battle (Gancia meadows, the ancient village of Villanuova)
From 11,00
The enemy being defended in the meadows Gancia seeks final act, the men and women of Cain spoke in support of the military, the enemy flees leaving dead and wounded.

The victory
From 12,00
The battle is won, the populace rejoices, the captain of the guards and local authorities declare the end of siege ’. The Duke Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy Canelli exempted from paying taxes for 30 years.

From 12,30 We celebrate with the Victory dinner with entertainment.

From 15,00 continue the festivities outside and inside the walls, the challenge of “carra”, entertainment, shows, games and eno-gastronomy.

From 17,00 Portal Tournament Final.

At 22,00 It celebrates the victory of Villanuova with fireworks of joy (Fireworks)
Throughout the two days "with fire and sword" along the streets of the ancient village, musici, companies of actors, commedia dell'arte, dozens of stalls and antique tradesmen will recreate the seventeenth-century atmosphere.

Map of Canelli