An Adriatic Jewel with an Aristocratic Heart
Nestled along the shimmering Adriatic coast, Vasto surprises every visitor.
Abruzzo is often associated with mountains and pastoral traditions, but this seaside town holds a story of grandeur and power tied to one of the most coveted honors among Europe’s aristocracy: Il Toson d’Oro – The Golden Fleece.
Today, attending the re-enactment means stepping back into 1723, surrounded by music, colors, and solemn ceremonies that forever marked the town’s history.
The Order and the Palace: A Story of Prestige
The Order of the Golden Fleece, founded in 1429 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, was the highest chivalric honor of its time — a symbol of prestige and political influence.
On October 24, 1723, Vasto hosted an unforgettable event: Cesare Michelangelo d’Avalos, Marquis of Vasto, acting on behalf of Emperor Charles VI, bestowed the Golden Fleece upon Prince Fabrizio I Colonna of Rome.
The ceremony took place in the magnificent Palazzo d’Avalos, originally a 14th-century castle transformed in the 16th century into a noble residence with stunning hanging gardens overlooking the sea.
Its halls once welcomed Europe’s most powerful figures and today still provide the backdrop for the historical re-enactment.
The Prince’s Grand Arrival
The celebrations began on October 23, 1723, with a spectacular entrance: a procession of 186 lavishly adorned horses escorted Prince Colonna into the city, greeted by the roar of 57 cannon shots, ringing bells, and fireworks.
It was not just a visit but the start of ten days of festivities: more than 500 nobles attended gala dinners, musical performances, and hunting parties, while the townspeople enjoyed popular celebrations and games in the main squares.
The highlight came on October 24: in the audience hall of Palazzo d’Avalos, the prince knelt to receive the honor, accompanied by the Te Deum hymn, the chime of bells, and artillery salutes.
For the people of Vasto, the most spectacular moment happened outside: from the palace balconies, servants threw bread, cheese, and salami into the cheering crowd, while wine flowed from the public fountain for five hours, a symbolic gesture uniting nobility and commoners in shared joy.
A Living Re-enactment: History Comes Alive
Since 1986, Vasto has re-enacted that extraordinary day every year at the end of August. This is not just a parade but a full-scale historical spectacle:
Two separate processions represent the d’Avalos and Colonna families, with hundreds of participants in meticulously crafted Baroque and Renaissance costumes.
The procession winds through Corso De Parma, Piazza Rossetti, and other historic streets, accompanied by musicians, flag-throwers, jugglers, and fire-eaters, culminating at Palazzo d’Avalos.
The most awaited moment is the collazione — the symbolic presentation of the Golden Fleece collar from the palace balcony, a solemn and emotional re-enactment of the 1723 investiture.
A unique modern twist? Each year, the role of Prince Colonna is played by a renowned figure from the arts or entertainment world, blending history and contemporary culture.
A Tradition That Lives On
Over the years, il Toson d’Oro has also become a major tourist attraction, yet its historical and cultural value remains intact.
It is an act of civic pride, a celebration of heritage, and an opportunity to pass on the memory of this noble past to future generations.
The Timeless Charm of the Golden Fleece
The Toson d’Oro of Vasto is more than an event: it is a gateway through time, where history, art, and spectacle converge. Experiencing it means seeing Abruzzo come alive with colors, sounds, and emotions.
If this story has inspired you to explore the authentic heart of Italy, visit Italia Sweet Italia to discover our exclusive tours and experience the deepest traditions of this wonderful region.
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