Circo Polo

A big top among the pines of Forte Ardeatino

Circo Polo is a festival dedicated to contemporary circus held in the Parco del Forte Ardeatino, located at via di Grotta Perfetta 524, in the city of Rome (Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Lazio). Conceived and produced by the A.S.D. Scuola Romana di Circo, the event sets up a tent every autumn among the maritime pines of a suburban urban park, transforming it for about ten days into a space for artistic creation and social interaction open to the entire city.

Circus as a contemporary language

The project was born with the idea of telling the story of today's circus: no longer just stunts and virtuosity, but a scenic language that dialogues with theater, dance, live music, and street arts. Acrobats, tightrope walkers, jugglers, trapeze artists, and clowns populate the park's paths and lawns with often unexpected performances, surprising those who arrive simply for an afternoon stroll. The cross-pollination of disciplines is the hallmark of the festival, which has established itself as one of the reference points for contemporary circus in Rome, alongside other initiatives spread across the capital's districts.

Women as stars of the ring

One of the most recognizable editorial themes of Circo Polo is the promotion of female artists: women who have always played a leading role in the circus, both in front of and behind the scenes, for their technical skill, talent, and capacity for emancipation. In past editions, this common thread has materialized in the Gran Galà delle Donne, a closing evening entirely entrusted to female performers, and in round tables dedicated to the circus as a tool for intercultural dialogue.

Workshops, kids' activities, and neighborhood picnics

Alongside the shows, the program dedicates ample space to direct public participation:

• Kids' program: circus workshops for children aged 4 and up, every afternoon, featuring basic acrobatics, juggling, and balancing;
• Theater and circus workshops for teenagers and adults, with a final showcase open to the public;
• Neighborhood picnics on weekends, with families invited to enjoy the park together, featuring snacks, games, and shows;
• Live concerts and musical moments accompanying the evenings under the big top;
• Meetings and round tables on social circus and performing arts in the suburbs.

A project rooted in the Roman suburbs

Circo Polo has grown thanks to public grants from Rome Capital dedicated to culture outside the historic center: the event was supported by the Lo spettacolo fuori dal centro call and subsequently by the Roma Creativa 365 program, the Department of Culture's plan that funds widespread cultural programming for the 2025-2026 two-year period. This institutional rooting confirms the festival's vocation: to bring quality art to a residential neighborhood in the southern part of the city, giving back to the inhabitants a park that is too often underutilized.

Why it's worth visiting

Admission is free for almost all activities, with the only exception being some gala evenings with a symbolic ticket price. It is an ideal occasion for families with children, for those who want to discover a less touristy side of Rome, and for performing arts enthusiasts looking for emerging companies and research projects. The natural setting of Forte Ardeatino, with its 19th-century structure and pine forest, adds significant landscape and historical value to the visit.