Fantasy Castle Soriano

A fantasy realm in the heart of Tuscia

Fantasy Castle Soriano is a festival dedicated to fantasy, cosplay, and pop culture that brings the medieval village of Soriano nel Cimino, in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, to life every year in early June. For three days, Castello Orsini—the imposing 13th-century fortress overlooking the town—and the historic center turn into a true enchanted kingdom, populated by elves, knights, princesses, Vikings, Jedi, and cosplayers from all over Italy. Established in 2024, the event has grown rapidly to become one of the most original nerd and fantasy gatherings in Central Italy, thanks to a setting no exhibition hall can match: an authentic medieval castle.

Cosplay, comics, and guest artists

The beating heart of the festival is the Cosplay Contest, accompanied by themed parades and choreography: Disney-inspired princess processions, lightsaber duels with characters from the Star Wars saga—thanks to the participation of groups like the Rebel Legion Italian Base and the 501st Italica Garrison—and costumed Viking combat. The Comics & Games area hosts Italian comic book authors and illustrators: in the 2026 edition, for example, cover artist Emiliano Tanzillo (Sergio Bonelli Editore) curated an exclusive exhibition for the 40th anniversary of Dylan Dog, alongside artists in the Artist Alley and meetings with legendary voice actresses from Hollywood cinema.

Board games, wargaming, and interactive adventures

Fantasy Castle is also a massive playground for board game and role-playing enthusiasts: Warhammer and Carcassonne tournaments, wargaming sessions, mystery games, and escape rooms set in the castle dungeons, treasure hunts through the village streets, and archery stations. Even laser tag finds a home within the medieval walls, while retro-futurism lovers compete in the spectacular National Steampunk Teapot Race, a competition as bizarre as it is beloved by the public.

Shows, concerts, and evening atmosphere

The day concludes with live concerts featuring cartoon theme songs, fire shows, Celtic dances, and theatrical performances that take advantage of the natural scenery of the torch-lit fortress. There is no shortage of themed photo sets arranged among Italian-style gardens, fountains, and historic palaces, designed for photographers and cosplayers, nor the workshops and entertainment dedicated to children, making the festival an event suitable for the whole family.

A free and charitable event

Admission to Fantasy Castle Soriano is free. The event is organized by the Classe 1983 association under the patronage of the Municipality of Soriano nel Cimino and with the support of the Pro Loco, collaborating with ADMO (Bone Marrow Donor Association) to combine pop culture with social commitment. An arts market with themed crafts and a food area with local cuisine and options for every need complete the experience.

Soriano nel Cimino, between the Cimini Mountains and UNESCO beech forests

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Soriano nel Cimino and the Tuscia region, the ancient land of the Etruscans in northern Lazio. The village lies on the slopes of the Cimini Mountains, a few kilometers from Viterbo, and is famous for the centuries-old beech forest of Monte Cimino, a recognized UNESCO heritage site, as well as the historic autumn Chestnut Festival. A weekend at Fantasy Castle is easily combined with nature walks and an itinerary through the villages of the Viterbo province.