Its origins date back to the 10th century, however, its most famous events are linked to the ups and downs of the Fortebracci noble family, in particular to the great mercenary commander Braccio da Montone famous as a cunning and unscrupolous strategist and politician. In 1473, Carlo Fortebracci, following his father’s footsteps, fought at the service of the Republic of Venice, called “La Serenissima”. He succeeded valiantly in driving the Turks back into the sea and received a thorn from the crown of Our Lord Jesus Christ as a gift. Carlo sent the precious relic to Montone and declared a feast on Easter Monday to celebrate the holy gift received. Legend has it that when the first squad of soldiers arrived the city bells started to ring on their own. Even today, the Holy Thorn celebrations attract a large number of people who decide to immerse themselves in an evocative atmosphere: the week preceding the third Sunday of August, in fact, is entirely dedicated to the Holy Thorn Festival. On this occasion Montone celebrates the ancient splendour in the County of the Fortebracci Family: the districts in which the town is divided are involved in challenging competitions, medieval representations and archery, in order to win the Palio and elect their own “Castellana” (Margherita Malatesta, wife of the Count Carlo) It is not easy to put into words what this week means for the people living in Montone, the history is breathed, the village becomes a natural theatre, parochialism divides the districts and cheerfulness invades the taverns always ready to offer a tasty hot dish and a good glass of wine.