Gallese, the Memory of a Town
Every year, Gallese brings a chapter of its history back to life through the reenactment of the General Council of the City, recreating one of the most significant moments in the public life of the ancient community.
In the historic centre, citizens, dignitaries and representatives of the institutions symbolically gather once again, following the rituals and hierarchies of the past and evoking the relationship between the community and ducal authority.
Gallese’s history as a community organised as a municipality dates back to the 12th century. After centuries marked by a succession of different ruling families, Gallese passed to the Altemps family in 1579, who would retain control for almost three centuries. In 1585, under Pope Sixtus V, Gallese was elevated to the status of a duchy.
Through faces, costumes, gestures and places, the reportage captures not simply a historical reenactment, but the enduring bond between a community and its memory.
A young participant carries one of the banners during the historical procession through Gallese.
The historical procession continues towards the heart of Gallese, among banners and period costumes.
A pause along the route as participants prepare to resume the procession towards Gallese’s historic centre.
In Gallese’s historic centre, the final preparations before the procession resumes its route.
Musicians and flag bearers from Civita Castellana accompany the historical procession through Gallese.
Figures in period costume during the historical procession through Gallese.
The procession moves through the streets of Gallese’s historic centre, where the reenactment meets the everyday life of the village.
The historical procession makes its way through the village of Gallese, accompanied by the sound of drums.
A participant in period costume during the reenactment of the General Council of the City.
Faces, colours and banners accompany the historical procession through the streets of Gallese.
long the procession route, the reenactment becomes a moment of participation for the entire community.
A young participant in period costume during the historical procession towards the centre of Gallese.
In the heart of the village, residents and participants await the passage of the historical procession.
Participants await the procession among the banners of Gallese’s historic districts.
A banner bearer leads the procession along the walls of Gallese.
The rhythm of drums accompanies the historical procession through the streets of Gallese.
The historical procession moves through the streets of Gallese, carrying the colours and emblems of the city.
Musicians from Civita Castellana accompany the procession through the streets of Gallese.
In the courtyard of the Horduin Castle in Gallese, the final preparations before the reenactment of the General Council of the City.
In the courtyard of the Horduin Castle in Gallese, participants put on their historical costumes before the reenactment.
The actors portraying the Duke and Duchess during the historical reenactment in the heart of Gallese.
The Duke and Duchess take their place before the General Council of the City, in the heart of Gallese’s historic centre.
A representative of the Council pays homage to the Duke and Duchess during the reenactment of the General Council of the City.
The reading of the proceedings before the Duke and Duchess during the reenactment of the General Council of the Town.
The Duke reads the official act before the Duchess during the reenactment of the General Council of the City.
The flag bearers perform before the Duke, the Duchess and the community gathered for the reenactment.
A flag-throwing performance accompanies the reenactment of the General Council of the City.
