© The
Society of the Open Rope,
all content, photographs and text.
L'Assedio della
Citta
June
1613
The Society of
the Open Rope
The
massed troops of the Duc of Savoie file through the gates of the town anticipating
the end of the siege...
Saturday's
battle on the hillside was undecisive ~ both sides giving their best, but retiring
for a night of drinking, duelling and debauchery after all, tonight could be
their last if it all goes badly tomorrow. Then the final assault on the walls
in the harsh light of the Italian summer morning.
Only
to be beaten back annually by the town's people under the command of Il Duco
di Monferrato. Naturally, much celebrating follows.
During
the weekend of the siege each year the whole town remembers its 17th century
success against the enemy ~ which earnt it 30 year tax holiday, the Duke was
so grateful. Cars are banned from the town centre, hessian covers traffic lights
and road signs, and eating and drinking (and duelling) in the street become
the main occupations.
