In Pinerolo, a town of 35,000 nestled in Piedmont’s Italian Alps, the first weekend in October is decidedly French. Indeed, Pinerolo is called the “Most French City in Italy” as it was under French control for 120 years; specifically through its Maschera di Ferro celebration, it honours its history as one of the places where the Man in Iron Mask was held during the 17th century.
The Man in the Iron Mask tale has been made famous through literature and Hollywood films, but for a glimpse at the true story, re-enacted every year complete with period costumes and artefacts, you’ll have to head to Pinerolo, or at least watch this video:
As legend goes, the mysterious prisoner was brought to Pinerolo by D’Artagnan and his musketeers on 24 August 1669. The man’s face was covered with a mask of steel, which was further draped with a piece of black velvet. Although he had a constant “custodian angel” by his side, the man’s identity has never been revealed.
It is believed that Louis XIV simply couldn’t decapitate the prisoner as was common during that time because of the man’s importance. And so, known only as the Man in the Iron Mask, he was moved from prison to prison until his death on 19 November 1703, and his tale became legendary.
For more information on this year’s festival, which takes place 4-5 October, see the Associazione Storica Culturale La Maschera di Ferro (in Italian) or About.com Italy Guide Martha Bakerjian’s description here.
Special thanks to Marla Gulley of the Bella Baita Bed & Breakfast in the Italian Alps for her help in compiling this information.
