La Morra 1544: Not Just Vines, but Swords! Relive the Siege of the Tower

The Siege of the Tower: Relive History Among the Vineyards of La Morra!

Every year, the air in La Morra, right in the heart of the Langhe and already fragrant with Barolo, takes on a different atmosphere—a distant echo of drums and swords. This isn't a dream, but the Siege of the Tower (Assedio alla Torre), a historical reenactment that, for over forty years, has catapulted visitors and residents alike back to the distant year of 1544 to relive a crucial moment in local history. If you love history, the allure of the medieval era, and traditions beautifully intertwined with fine wine, this is an event you simply cannot miss!

Ecco la traduzione in inglese, mantenendo lo stesso tono coinvolgente e curato:

History Comes Alive: Dates and Events

The Siege of the Tower (Assedio alla Torre) usually takes place in late June or early July, bringing the historic center of La Morra to life for an entire weekend. While the event culminates with the re-enactment of the final battle, the entire festival is a sequence of happenings that set the stage for the epic conclusion:

• The Medieval Market: The streets of the village fill up with artisans, jesters, and costumed historical figures. Stalls offer local produce, spices, fabrics, and period objects, creating a truly authentic atmosphere.
• Musicians and Flag-wavers (Sbandieratori): The sound of flutes, drums, and clarions echoes through the ancient walls, accompanied by the spectacular performances of the flag-wavers, whose whirling tosses and acrobatics paint the sky with colour.
• Historical Camps: Outside the walls, faithfully reproduced camps are set up, where visitors can observe the daily life of the soldiers, their crafts, weapons, and the military strategies of the time.
• Medieval Dinners: Many restaurants and associations offer themed dinners with dishes inspired by 16th-century cuisine, providing an immersive culinary experience.
• The Final Battle: The highlight is on Sunday afternoon. Knights, infantry, arquebusiers, and artillery confront each other in an incredibly realistic battle simulation. The smoke of the arquebuses, the clang of swords, and the battle cries will transport you directly into the heart of the conflict.

An Authentic Historical Call: The Siege of 1544

The event draws its origins from a historical fact that truly occurred. In 1544, La Morra, at the time an important strategic and agricultural center, found itself at the heart of a dispute between the forces of the Marquisate of Saluzzo and the Imperial Spanish troops of Charles V.

La Morra was a key point for controlling the territory. The most well-known episode is precisely the siege of its impressive defensive tower, which was then part of a larger fortified system. The city walls, though solid, were severely tested. It was a period of great uncertainty and hardship for the population, caught between the ambitions of the great European powers vying for dominance over Piedmont.

The reenactment does not merely celebrate the battle; it aims to remember the courage and tenacity of La Morra’s inhabitants who, despite the adversity, defended their land with determination. It is a way to keep alive the memory of an era of profound transformation, when the destiny of small villages hung by a thread.

Popular Tales and Living Traditions

The Siege of the Tower is not only written history but also history handed down through folklore.

• The Courageous Mothers: It is said that during the siege, the women of La Morra, unable to fight, dedicated themselves to supplying water and provisions to the soldiers on the walls, heedless of the danger. A popular tale holds that some of them, to distract the enemy, would launch baskets full of rocks and manure from the tower battlements to simulate a larger number of defenders.
• The Scent of the Miracle: Another local legend recounts that, when provisions began to run low, the defenders made a solemn vow. Shortly afterward, a sudden wind brought an intoxicating scent of fresh bread and wine, reinforcing the spirit of the fighters and intimidating the enemy, who believed it to be a miraculous resupply.
• The Sleeping Dragon: Although not directly connected to the siege, there is an old belief in the Langhe that a dragon sleeps beneath the hills and vineyards. Its breath, in winter, is said to be the thick mist that blankets the valleys, and its awakening, in summer, the fertility of the earth. Perhaps, during the siege, the anxiety and tension of the population gave rise to visions and fears linked to fantastic creatures protecting or threatening their territory.

Where to Stay for the Siege of the Tower?

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Siege and enjoy the Langhe region, choosing the right accommodation is essential. La Morra and its surroundings offer a wide variety of solutions, from farm stays (agriturismi) nestled in the vineyards to cozy B&Bs in the historic center.

For an unforgettable stay, we suggest you consider our own comfortable short-term rental accommodation for the Siege of the Tower in Pollenzo (just a stone's throw from La Morra).

Situated just a short distance from the heart of the event, it offers the ideal comfort for resting after an intense day of re-enactments and wine tasting, allowing you to easily explore La Morra and fully experience the magic of this area.

More Than Just a Siege: A Complete Langhe Experience

Participating in the Siege of the Tower is also a fantastic opportunity to explore the marvelous area of La Morra and the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site:

• Breathtaking Panoramas: Climb the Civic Bell Tower (Torre Campanaria) of La Morra—the very tower that was besieged!—to enjoy a 360-degree, jaw-dropping view over the seemingly endless vineyards.
• Wineries and Tastings: The Langhe is the homeland of Barolo, Barbaresco, and other great wines. Take advantage of your visit to tour one of the many cellars and join a wine tasting.
• Langarola Cuisine: You simply cannot leave La Morra without savoring its excellent cuisine. From tajarin (thin egg pasta) with ragù, to ravioli del plin, and the famous battuta di fassona (Piedmontese raw beef tartare), every dish is a journey of flavour.

The Siege of the Tower is more than just a re-enactment: it’s a leap into the past, an immersion into the culture and traditions of a proud land rich in charm. Get ready to be catapulted back in time, among knights and ladies, into the very heart of the Langhe's history!