by InTrieste
On the weekend of October 5th and 6th, the city of Trieste will transport visitors back to the early 19th century with a dramatic reenactment of one of the defining moments in its history—the Siege of 1813. Against the evocative backdrop of San Giusto Castle, where Austrian and British forces once attacked Napoleonic troops barricaded within the fortress, participants will recreate this pivotal battle as part of an ambitious two-day historical event.
Organized by the Municipality of Trieste and the Friulian Society of Archaeology in collaboration with the Musica Libera Association, the reenactment will feature period costumes, battle choreography, and educational programming. This year marks the second edition of the event, which has quickly become a popular fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. The reenactment is a highlight of Un Mare di Archeologia, an archaeological and historical festival that draws visitors from across the region.
“Reenacting history is about more than just spectacle,” says Giorgio Gremese, a local historian and speaker at the event. “It allows us to reflect on the forces that shaped our national identity, particularly the role of Italian troops in the Napoleonic Wars.”
The event owes much of its authenticity to the participation of dedicated historical groups, including the 11ème Régiment d’Infanterie Légère from Montichiari and the 113ème Régiment d’Infanterie de Ligne, a unit known for its detailed recreations of Napoleonic military life. These groups meticulously reproduce not only the uniforms and weaponry of the era but also the military drills and battlefield strategies employed during the early 19th century.
A Weekend of Living History
The reenactment will unfold over two days, starting on Saturday morning with open-to-the-public training sessions at San Giusto Castle. At 2:00 PM, the fortress will become the stage for a recreation of the historic assault, allowing spectators to witness the intensity of the battle as Austrian and British forces clash with the entrenched Napoleonic troops.
Later that evening, visitors can catch a glimpse of Trieste’s past as reenactors in full uniform make their way through the city center. Gremese’s talk, titled “The Troops of the Kingdom of Italy and the Birth of Italian National Sentiment,” will offer an in-depth exploration of how Italy’s fragmented military forces contributed to the nascent national consciousness during the Napoleonic era.
Sunday’s programming will mirror Saturday’s events, with a second reenactment of the assault scheduled for 2:00 PM, followed by a special presentation by Antonio Gremese on the intricacies of Napoleonic military equipment.
The Appeal of History Brought to Life
For those attending on Saturday, the price of admission to San Giusto Castle includes access to the event. Sunday’s festivities, however, will be free of charge as part of Italy’s #Domenicalmuseo initiative, which offers free entry to museums and archaeological sites across the country on the first Sunday of each month.
“The reenactment of the Siege of 1813 offers both locals and visitors a rare opportunity to engage with history in a hands-on way,” says Antonio Gremese, who has been involved in Napoleonic reenactments for over a decade. “These events remind us of the complexity of the past, while also serving as a bridge to understanding our present.”
With its unique blend of drama, education, and historical insight, the Siege of Trieste reenactment is expected to draw large crowds, cementing its status as one of the most anticipated cultural events of the season.
For more information:
San Giusto Castle Website
