Camellia Festival
Velletri in bloom: the historic center turns into an open-air garden
About Camellia Festival
The signature flower of Velletri
In Velletri, in the heart of the Castelli Romani, the camellia is more than just a flower: it is a true symbol of the city. The local volcanic soil, acidic and mineral-rich, provides ideal conditions for Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua, so much so that noble families were already planting them in their country villas back in the 19th century. Some historic specimens now stand over five meters tall, bearing witness to decades of botanical care and passion.
A history that began in 1994
The idea for the festival was born from a desire to showcase a heritage often hidden in private courtyards and historic villas. In 1993, an article in the magazine of the Italian Society "Amici dei Fiori" highlighted the camellias of Velletri, sparking the curiosity of enthusiasts and visitors alike. From that initial "camellia walk," the first official edition of the Camellia Festival took shape in 1994. In 2026, the event celebrated its 30th edition with the theme "30 Years of Camellias – A Story in Color."
The Camellia Garden
The heart of the festival is the Camellia Garden (Giardino del Camelieto) in Piazza Martiri di Pratolungo, on Via Pia: a public garden entirely dedicated to camellias, where the opening ceremony takes place each year, accompanied by the "Umberto Cavola" Concert Band. From here, the event spreads along the main streets and squares of the historic center, decorated with floral installations and arrangements.
What to see during the festival
The program weaves together nature, art, and tradition with a density that is surprising for a two-day event:
- floral exhibitions featuring over 400 varieties of camellias;
- painting and photography exhibitions dedicated to the flower and the city;
- concerts, dance school performances, and street artists;
- technical conferences and botanical meetings, in collaboration with the Italian Camellia Society;
- show cooking and camellia-themed tasting menus, along with floral workshops and a tea ceremony.
Guided tours, museums, and caves
During the weekend, the Civic Museums of Velletri — including the "Oreste Nardini" Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Geopaleontology and Prehistory — offer special openings. Guided tours lead visitors into the city's underground caves, private gardens, and local camellia groves, with departures organized from Piazza Garibaldi: a rare opportunity to enter places normally closed to the public.
Flavors of the Castelli Romani
Alongside the flowers, the festival promotes typical local products: wine, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and traditional sweets. The tastings tell the story of an agricultural region that, among vineyards and olive groves, has built its identity on quality.
A regional event
Organized by the Municipality of Velletri with the patronage of the Lazio Region and the Castelli Romani Regional Park, the Camellia Festival has been recognized as a regional event and is now one of the most anticipated spring appointments in the Metropolitan City of Rome, attracting visitors from all over Lazio and beyond.
Camellia Festival — edition 2026
For its 30th anniversary, the Camellia Festival dressed Velletri in festive attire: the theme "30 Years of Camellias – A Story in Color" retraced three decades of botanical passion with a historical route set up along the main street. The official inauguration was held on Saturday, March 14, at 10:30 AM at the Camellia Garden in Piazza Martiri di Pratolungo, with city officials and the "Umberto Cavola" Concert Band.
Over the two days, the historic center hosted floral exhibitions, photo and art shows, live music, and dance performances, as well as show cooking with camellia-based tastings. Special openings were held for the "Oreste Nardini" Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Geopaleontology and Prehistory, with guided tours of the city's caves and, on Sunday, departures from Piazza Garibaldi to public and private camellia gardens in full bloom. A new feature of the 2026 edition was a wedding dress fashion show by a local designer in tribute to the camellia.
The 30th-anniversary edition, organized by the Municipality of Velletri with the patronage of the Lazio Region and the Castelli Romani Park and the support of the company DEven, was held with free admission from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Programme Camellia Festival 2026
Saturday, March 14
- 10:30 AM — Official inauguration at the Camellia Garden (Piazza Martiri di Pratolungo, via Pia) with institutions and the "Umberto Cavola" Concert Band
- Historical route "30 Years of Camellias – A Story in Color" along the main street
- Show cooking dedicated to the camellia with tastings
- Floral exhibitions, photo and art shows in the historic center
- Live music, dance performances, and floral installations in the squares
Sunday, March 15
- Guided tours of public and private camellia gardens with departures from Piazza Garibaldi at various times
- Wedding dress fashion show inspired by the camellia (2026 novelty)
- Continuation of exhibitions, displays, and musical entertainment
Both days (10:00 AM - 7:30 PM)
- Special openings of the "Oreste Nardini" Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Geopaleontology and Prehistory
- Guided tours of the city's caves and archaeological routes of the historic center
- Tastings of typical products: wine, oil, honey, and traditional sweets
Highlights Camellia Festival 2026
- 30th edition: the festival's 30th anniversary
- Historical route "30 Years of Camellias – A Story in Color"
- Inauguration with the "Umberto Cavola" Concert Band at the Camellia Garden
- Show cooking and camellia-based tastings
- Guided tours of caves, museums, and private gardens
- New: wedding dress fashion show dedicated to the camellia
Prices Camellia Festival 2026
Practical information — Camellia Festival
How to get there
By train: Velletri is the terminus of the FL4 line from Rome Termini (about a one-hour journey); during the festival, free shuttles operate between the station and the pedestrianized historic center. By car: Take the Via Appia (SS7) or the San Cesareo exit of the A1 motorway, then follow signs for Velletri; parking is available in areas outside the center.
Hours and admission
The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, approximately from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Admission is free.
Tips
Camellia blooming is at its peak in mid-March: bring your camera and book your guided tours of private gardens well in advance, as they are very popular.
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Where does it take place — Camellia Festival
Centro storico e Giardino del Camelieto
Piazza Martiri di Pratolungo, 00049 Velletri