Historical Reenactment of Napoleon’s 1801 Siege at Peschiera Fortress

Reviving after two hundred years, the French siege of the fortress of Peschiera in 1801 is reenacted. On Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 1, the Municipal Council of the town offers a captivating historical reenactment of the clash between Napoleon’s troops and the Austrians, with the reconstruction of campsites and period weapons.

The Renacters gardesani take up arms and transport audiences back in time. The event begins on the 30th with the setup of French and Cisalpine troop camps in Parco Catullo and Austrian troops near the powder magazine at the Feltrin bastion.

Throughout the day, visitors can tour the camps and observe military drills and scenes from soldiers’ daily life. The highlight of the day occurs at 10 p.m., with a firingbattle on the Ponte di Porta Brescia.

Activities on Sunday

During Sunday morning, there will be a parade involving troops from both garrisons as they leave their camps and march through the streets of the Fortress of Peschiera.

In the afternoon, there will be further skirmishes, sorties, and artillery duels on the bridge and near Porta Brescia. In the same location, a typical Austrian tavern will operate throughout the commemorations, and each evening, after the cessation of gunfire (tonar), the event concludes with a concert by the Banda imperiale francese di Frejus.

At the same time, in the historic building of Parco Catullo, a photographic exhibition dedicated to the Renacters will be open. These soldiers accurately recreate all details of Napoleon’s military life.