Berta's Time

Every second weekend in September, the Legend of Berta is re-enacted in the municipality of Montegrotto Terme. The legend tells of an 11th-century peasant girl who asked Henry IV's consort for a pardon to free her husband from the castle dungeons. The Empress agreed, and Berta, in gratitude, gave her a skein of her thread. Moved by this gift, the noblewoman gave orders to give Berta and her husband as much land as the skein thread. To re-enact this tale, for two days the village of Montegrotto Terme is enlivened by more than two hundred costumed historical figures who parade through the streets of the town. In addition, the highlight of the festival is held with a theatrical performance of the Legend.