We find ourselves in province of Arezzo in Tuscany, next to sources of Marecchia River. Each year we go back to the Middle Ages and the Abbey of Sant’Angelo Michele de Tedaldi gives life to black monks, torch-light processions, historical retinues and banquets. Living the “Palio dei Castelli della Badia Tedalda” means going back to our remoter past, which is the moment when our deepest historical traditions become true. This reality lives inside each of us, being part of our genetic patrimony.Between medieval songs, settings and foods, black monks of Saint Benedict, guided by their Abbot, give life to the glorious and ancient Abbey of Sant’Angelo Michele de Tedaldi, involving the enthusiastic participants in a highly evocative path where liturgical torch-light processions and solemn celebrations alternate to high masses and banquets, after which the Palio dei Castelli of Badia Tedalda takes place. This typical equestrian tournement is held by the most able Knights of the Castles of Badia Tedalda with launches and rings, competing for the prestigious Cloth and the Double-Crossed Plate of S.Angelo Michele. The Palio is therefore a magic historical commemoration of the past where the present County Town and villages no longer exist, but only the past Abbey and its subject Castles; the Abbot, using his privilege of jus sanguinis, authenticates the documents by St. Christopher’s seal and shows off his own standard, with two red crosses on white field, besides he announces an equestrian tournement or entrusts an important work commission. The long torch-light procession up to the Slope to the Castle, Gregorian chants of Benedictine monks, S.Michele Archangelo Church illuminated with candles like thousand years ago, the ancient inns, foods, libations and music’s, within the scenery of the medieval village illuminated by torches, recreate an ancient atmosphere and therefore provoking an apotheosis of unforgettable emotions.This is the Palio dei Castelli: a full immersion in our monastic past life, which takes place every year at Badia Tedalda in the province of Arezzo on the third weekend of August. Today the Palio dei Castelli is managed by the homonymous Association, constituted under a notorial deed and detailed inner charter in March 1998, finalized to organize and guarantee the yearly development of this event. This Association is mainly composed by young people, lovers of the history, who have succeeded in involving into such event all their pride, engagement and enthusiasm of the entire local community.