Military encampments, gladiator fights, ritual dances and interactive activities are bringing the atmosphere and traditions of ancient Rome back to the historic centre of San Marino. “Sulle Orme di Roma” (“In the Footsteps of Rome”), the free historical re-enactment event held on 3 and 4 October at Campo Bruno Reffi, is now in full swing.
The initiative is organised by the cultural association Legio XIII Gemina – Rubico APS, which is dedicated to reconstructing and promoting Roman history, with support from the Secretariat of State for Tourism. The two-day event combines spectacle and historical insight through re-enactments, demonstrations and direct contact with the military and everyday life of the era.
The first day saw strong participation from San Marino’s schools. Five middle-school classes and three from the Liceo took part in guided tours of the encampments, watching the re-enactments and activities staged by the historical performers.
“There was great enthusiasm from the schools of San Marino — reads the press release. This morning, five middle-school classes and three from the Liceo took part in guided visits to the camps, experiencing history first-hand as both protagonists and spectators within the pages of a vivid, open book.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Alan Gasperoni, private secretary at the Secretariat of State for Tourism, who highlighted the event’s dual value — educational and touristic.
“This is an event that educates while entertaining, capable of sparking curiosity and collective memory. San Marino once again proves itself a prime location for events that blend historical re-enactment with tourist appeal. “Sulle Orme di Roma” is not merely a spectacular evocation, but an opportunity to reaffirm and enhance our Republic’s role as a guardian of tradition and a promoter of authentic experiences,” Gasperoni said.
Also present was Teodoro Lonfernini, Secretary of State for Education and Culture, who focused in particular on student involvement. “History comes alive when young people can touch it with their own hands; experiences like this allow for total immersion in the memory of a world that shaped our civilisation,” he stated.
The encampment was also visited in the morning by Matteo Ciacci, Secretary of State for Territory.
The programme continues on Saturday afternoon with one of the event’s main highlights: a major historical re-enactment show is scheduled for 3.30pm. On Sunday, also at 3.30pm, a book by Gabriele Gandolfi, a member of Legio XIII Gemina – Rubico APS, will be presented.
The Roman camp at Campo Bruno Reffi will remain open to visitors on Saturday until 7.30pm and on Sunday from 9.30am to 7.30pm. Over the two days, visitors will be able to watch reconstructions of military life, duels and other demonstrations curated by the re-enactors.
“Every gesture, every word, every demonstration is designed to bring back a living, breathing Rome — one that is not found only in textbooks but in stories and traditions, a bridge between past and present,” the organisers point out.
Admission to “Sulle Orme di Roma” is free.
