The Quintana Museum: A Journey into the Beating Heart of Foligno

The Quintana Museum, located in the historic Palazzo Brunetti Candiotti in Foligno, is far more than a simple collection of objects — it is a true gateway to the heart and soul of the city. Here, the passion, history, and tradition of the famous Giostra della Quintana come to life through an interactive, multimedia experience that goes well beyond the boundaries of a classic museum visit.

The Quintana, held every year in June and September, is an ancient equestrian tournament with origins dating back to the 17th century. It is a competition among Foligno’s ten historic districts (rioni) — a challenge of skill and bravery where knights, mounted on their steeds, race along a figure-eight track and aim their lances through a series of rings hanging from the arm of the statue known as the “Moro.” Precision is key: with each round, the rings become smaller, testing the riders’ accuracy, composure, and courage.

A Multimedia Experience That Brings History to Life

What makes the Quintana Museum truly unique is its modern and engaging approach. The exhibition is not limited to static displays; instead, it makes skillful use of immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to place visitors at the center of the action.

By putting on the VR headset, visitors are transported directly into the tournament itself: they can watch the spectacular historic parade that winds through the streets of Foligno, and even experience the race from the knight’s own perspective, galloping at full speed across the “Campo de li Giochi.” It’s an experience that goes far beyond simple observation — one that lets you feel the adrenaline, excitement, and tension of every moment of the competition.

The exhibition also includes a rich collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story and secrets of the Quintana:

• The faithful reproduction of the wooden statue of the “Moro”, complete with its articulated arm.
• The precious Palii, the hand-painted banners awarded to the winning district.
• The magnificent historical costumes, made from fine fabrics and elaborate embroidery, showcasing the meticulous historical research and craftsmanship of each rione.
• Archival films and documents illustrating the Quintana not only as a sporting event but as a vibrant historical reenactment that unites the entire community.

The Museum as Guardian of a Living Cultural Heritage

The Giostra della Quintana is much more than a folkloric celebration — it is an institution that defines Foligno’s identity. Its revival after World War II strengthened the sense of belonging and the friendly rivalry among the city’s districts, keeping the Quintana spirit alive throughout the year. The museum serves as a guardian of this living heritage, preserving not only the physical objects but also the passion, emotion, and stories of a centuries-old tradition.

Visiting the Quintana Museum is the perfect way to prepare for witnessing the tournament itself, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the event’s historical significance and the dedication every citizen of Foligno invests in keeping this tradition alive.

Visitor Information

• Address: Palazzo Brunetti Candiotti, Via Federico Frezzi 2/4, 06034 Foligno (PG)
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday – Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: Free entry. For more details or to book a visit, contact 0742 354000.

Cover photo credits: rovi