Bioma – Nature in Contact Festival
Scientific outreach, art, and nature at the Ancient Fortress of the Historic Port of Civitavecchia
About Nature in Contact
A festival that brings nature into contact with people
Bioma – Nature in Contact Festival is the summer event for scientific outreach, art, and naturalistic culture that enlivens the Ancient Fortress of the Historic Port of Civitavecchia every year, located in the Municipality of Civitavecchia, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region. The event was conceived by Simone Di Mauro, president of the Bioma Cultural and Naturalistic Association, with the aim of introducing audiences of all ages to the world of science, the environment, and biodiversity through an accessible and engaging approach.
Science, art, and knowledge under one roof
For about a month, the evocative spaces of the fortress overlooking the sea are transformed into an exhibition and educational trail. The festival features scientific and naturalistic exhibitions dedicated to mycology, entomology, minerals, geology, astronomy, and plant and animal anatomy, alongside art exhibitions that engage with themes of nature. In addition to the displays, there are lectures, environmental education seminars, workshops, walks, and excursions throughout the local area.
A program between sky, sea, and land
Each edition alternates meetings with scholars, nature photographers, and science communicators with activities designed for children. Great attention is paid to the protected areas of the Lazio coast and beyond — from the Marturanum Park to the La Frasca Natural Monument, from the Torre Flavia Marsh to river landscapes — with informative materials and activities that highlight the richness of local ecosystems.
A free event for everyone
Admission to the festival is free, and activities are open to families, schools, enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike. With its formula combining scientific rigor and artistic sensitivity, Nature in Contact has established itself as one of the most original cultural events of the Civitavecchia summer, capable of showcasing both the natural heritage and the extraordinary historical setting of the Port Fortress.
Civitavecchia, between port and nature
A port city in northern Lazio, Civitavecchia offers the festival a unique backdrop: the Fortress of the Historic Port, a testament to the city's ancient defensive layout, becomes a bridge between past and future, culture and environment. It is one more reason to discover the territory of the Metropolitan City of Rome in its most authentic and naturalistic dimension.
Nature in Contact — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the festival opens on July 1st, 2026, with the inauguration at the Fortress of the Historic Port and continues until August 2nd. The program alternates scientific and naturalistic exhibitions (mycology, entomology, minerals, geology, astronomy, plant and animal anatomy), art exhibitions, and a rich calendar of lectures and outreach activities, with an international opening and sections dedicated to audiences of all ages.
Among the exhibitions, the photography show "Beyond the Blue" by Marco Meniero, a painting section featuring works by six Italian artists, and a focus on Venezuelan artists. Free admission; information and reservations at +39 340 4046439.
Programme Nature in Contact 2026
First week meetings
- Thursday, July 9th, 6:45 PM — "Oracles in Ancient Greece: Delphi, the navel of the world", by Giuseppe Fusco.
- Friday, July 10th, 9:00 PM — "Lights and Colors of the Sky", with Marco Meniero, dedicated to atmospheric light phenomena and the hidden colors of the celestial vault.
- Sunday, July 12th, 6:45 PM — "Us and the planet in a photograph", by Giulio Ielardi, with the participation of Alessia Colle (Lipu-BirdLife Italy).
Exhibitions and displays
- Photography exhibition "Beyond the Blue" by Marco Meniero (until July 13th).
- Painting section with works by six Italian artists (until August 2nd).
- Selection of works by Venezuelan artists.
- Permanent scientific-naturalistic exhibition: mycology, entomology, minerals, geology, astronomy, plant and animal anatomy.
The calendar continues throughout the month with new meetings, educational workshops, walks, and excursions; updates on the Bioma Association channels.
Highlights Nature in Contact 2026
- Unique setting of the Ancient Fortress of the Historic Port of Civitavecchia.
- Lectures on astronomy, mythology, and nature photography.
- Photography exhibition "Beyond the Blue" by Marco Meniero.
- Art and science exhibition sections with an international scope.
- Workshops, walks, and excursions for the whole family.
- Completely free admission.
Prices Nature in Contact 2026
Practical information — Nature in Contact
Location
Ancient Fortress of the Historic Port of Civitavecchia (RM), Lazio. Free admission.
How to get there
By train: Civitavecchia station on the Rome–Pisa line, a short distance from the historic port. By car: take the Civitavecchia Porto exit from the SS Aurelia / A12 motorway. The historic port is well signposted from the city center.
Opening hours
Morning openings are generally from 10:00 to 13:00 and evening sessions from 18:45 to 24:00; please check the association's channels for the updated calendar of meetings.
Information
Bioma Cultural and Naturalistic Association — tel. +39 340 4046439, email [email protected]. Reservations are recommended for some meetings and workshops.
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Where does it take place — Nature in Contact
Antica Rocca del Porto Storico di Civitavecchia