Ariel a Castello Festival

A literary festival dedicated to D'Annunzio in the heart of Abruzzo

The Ariel a Castello Festival is the premier literary event in Casoli, a town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. Hosted in the evocative setting of the Ducal Castle and Piazza Santa Reparata, the festival is dedicated to Gabriele d'Annunzio, the Pescara-born poet who shared a special bond with Casoli and this historic manor.

A connection to the Poet

The title itself evokes Ariel, the spirit of the air dear to D'Annunzio's imagination. D'Annunzio frequently stayed in the rooms of the Ducal Castle, which was then owned by his friend and patron Pasquale Masciantonio, a lawyer and local man of culture. This blend of friendship, literature, and the Abruzzo landscape inspired a festival that, every August, brings the written word and local heritage to the forefront.

The Program

The festival unfolds over several summer evenings with a proven format: book presentations and meetings with local and national authors, dialogues with scholars and journalists, musical interludes, choirs, concerts, short film screenings, and social gatherings featuring tastings of local products. The event also maintains a civic and educational focus, including the awarding of scholarships to deserving local students.

• Presentations of local history and literature volumes
• Meetings and dialogues with authors, historians, and journalists
• Live concerts, choirs, and musical interludes
• Screenings and short films related to Casoli and reading
• Student awards and social gatherings

Casoli, City of Readers

The festival is part of the Casoli City of Readers project and is promoted by the Municipality of Casoli. The event has been recognized by the Centre for Books and Reading (CEPELL) of the Ministry of Culture, confirming its cultural significance in the Italian literary landscape. All events are free to attend and designed for residents, tourists, and literature enthusiasts visiting the Frentano hinterland.

The village of Casoli

Nestled on a hill overlooking the Aventino Valley at the foot of the Majella mountains, Casoli is a village that weaves together nature, history, and culture. The recently restored Ducal Castle serves as its symbol and the ideal backdrop for a festival that turns literature and D'Annunzio's memory into a gathering point for the entire community.